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Meningitis Summer warning
28 June 2002
Meningitis Research Foundation, together with its patron Victoria Beckham, are urging people this summer to stay alert to the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease.
Whatever the time of year, meningitis and septicaemia can strike anyone of any age without warning and can kill in hours. People who recover may be left with disabilities that dramatically alter their lives - brain damage, deafness, amputations and a range of non-specific after effects.
The vaccine, which protects against Group C meningitis and septicaemia, has now been offered to everyone under the age of 25. This has had a dramatic impact in reducing this form of the disease in the vaccinated age groups. However, there are many other forms of meningitis and septicaemia which are still not vaccine preventable and continue to cause death and disability. It is therefore as vital as ever that information on meningitis and septicaemia is available to everyone.
Victoria Beckham, patron of Meningitis Research Foundation, commented: "As a mother of a young child, I know how important it is to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia at all times of the year. Anyone wanting more information about these diseases should call Meningitis Research Foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - to request their FREE mini-pack of symptoms information."
Denise Vaughan, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation said: "Although most cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia occur in the winter, this disease does not disappear in the summer - so continued vigilance is important. Also over the last few years cases of viral meningitis have increased during the summer months."