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Meningitis Awareness Week (18 -24 September)

16 September 2005

Meningitis Research Foundation announces the launch of its first national Meningitis Awareness Week (18-24 September). As part of the ongoing campaign to highlight the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease, the Foundation is raising awareness in your area.

Last year in the UK there were more than 3,000 cases of meningitis and septicaemia resulting in some 300 deaths. Although there are vaccines which provide excellent protection against some forms of the diseases, they cannot prevent them all. Awareness is therefore the key to ensuring a rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Denise Vaughan, the Foundation's Chief Executive said: "Meningitis and septicaemia are devastating diseases which can kill in hours. During the Awareness Week Meningitis Research Foundation aims to save lives by alerting people to the fact that FREE symptoms information is provided to callers to its Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344."

Remember meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours - it's a Race Against Time.

What progress is being made?

Since it was founded in 1989, the charity has awarded 118 research grants, leading to many advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The total value of the Foundation's investment in vital scientific research is nearly £13/€19 million.

 

Find out more about our programme of research.