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Meningitis cases increase in Scotland
25 April 2007
Meningitis Research Foundation is highlighting the importance of knowing the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia following the recent increase in the number of cases of these diseases caused by meningococcal bacterial. According to Health Protection Scotland statistics, published today, the number of cases in the first three months of 2007 cases increased to 59 from 42 in the same three months the previous year. Also, the number of deaths increased from one in the first three months of 2006 to six in the corresponding months this year.
Although there are vaccines in the childhood immunisation programme to protect against some forms of meningitis and septicaemia, they cannot prevent all forms. Nearly all the cases so far reported in 2007 have been caused by Group B disease, for which no vaccine currently exists.
Said Rita Crowe, Scotland Manager, Meningitis Research Foundation: "The charity is extremely concerned that Scotland has seen such an increase in the number of cases of meningitis and septicaemia in the first three months of this year, and particularly sad that more lives have been lost. Until we have vaccines that protect against all forms of these devastating diseases, which can kill in hours, our best defence is awareness. Knowing the symptoms and acting quickly can save lives."
For FREE information call Meningitis Research Foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344.
Media Contacts:
Rita Crowe or Luciana Brondi - 0131 228 3322 or 07717 383889
Notes to Editor:
- None of the reported cases were identified as Group C disease which shows how effective the MenC vaccine is.
- Through its Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - Meningitis Research Foundation provides information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and help and support to those who have been affected by these diseases.
- Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on the Foundation's world-renowned website - www.meningitis.org - in 18 languages. An interpretation service in 120 languages is available through the 24 hour helpline.
- Meningitis Research Foundation has 24 research projects in its programme and has current and future commitments of over £2 million. Since the charity was set up in 1989 some £11 million has been spent on research, making the total value of the charity's investment in vital scientific research nearly £13 million.
Symptoms of meningitis:
Fever and/or vomiting, severe headache; rash; stiff neck*; dislike of bright lights*; very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious; seizures (fits) may also be seen. (*Unusual in young children.)
Symptoms of septicaemia (blood poisoning form of the disease):
Fever and/or vomiting; limb/joint/muscle pain; cold hands and feet; pale or mottled skin; breathing fast/breathless; rash; very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious.
Other symptoms in babies include:
tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot); refusing to feed; being irritable when picked up with a high pitched or moaning cry; a stiff body with jerky movements or else floppy and lifeless.