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Meningitis Research Foundation and Boots Pharmacy Join Forces Against Meningitis and Septicaemia
04 January 2008
During February, Meningitis Research Foundation and Boots the Chemist are joining forces in Ireland to raise awareness of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia - the blood poisoning form of the disease.
There are around 300 cases of the diseases every year in Ireland. Although any one of age can contract meningitis and septicaemia, the majority of cases are in children under four years of age. Meningitis and septicaemia kill more children in Ireland than any other infectious disease. For those who survive, the after effects can include deafness, epilepsy, brain damage, physical and learning disabilities.
Recognising the symptoms of the diseases and acting fast are crucial, as not all forms of the disease are vaccine preventable. The awareness campaign will play a vital role in raising awareness of the diseases and their symptoms throughout Ireland.
Every Boots store across the country will be providing free Meningitis Research Foundation information to customers to help identify the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. The availability of the Foundation's 24 hour Freefone helpline - 1800 41 33 44 - and this website for anyone with concerns about the diseases will also be promoted.
Boots the Chemist's customers will also be able to help Meningitis Research Foundation achieve its vision of a world free of meningitis and septicaemia by purchasing the Foundation's Marvin pin badges for a donation of €2. All proceeds will go towards vital research into the prevention of meningitis and septicaemia, raising awareness and supporting those who have already been affected by the diseases.
Commenting on the campaign, Patricia Kohler MSc, Meningitis Research Foundation Medical Information Officer said 'We are delighted to work with Boots the Chemist in an effort to raise awareness of meningitis and septicaemia. We hope that by recognising the symptoms, people will act faster and ultimately save lives. We appreciate the ongoing support of Boots.'
Media Contact: Diane McConnell or Patricia Kohler MSc on 01 819 6931
Notes to Editor -
Symptoms of meningitis:
Severe headache; stiff neck*; dislike of bright lights*; fever; vomiting; drowsy and less responsive/vacant; rash; seizures (fits) may also be seen. (*Unusual in young children.)
Symptoms of septicaemia (blood poisoning form of the disease): Rash; fever; vomiting; cold hands and feet; shivering; abnormal colour (pallor or mottling); rapid or unusual breathing; limb/joint/muscle pain; abdominal pain (sometimes with diarrhoea); drowsy and less responsive/vacant.
Other symptoms in babies include: tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot); blotchy skin, getting paler or turning blue; refusing to feed; being irritable when picked up with a high pitched or moaning dry; a stiff body with jerky movements or else floppy and lifeless.
- Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline in Ireland - 1800 41 33 44 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.
- Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on this website in18 languages. An interpretation service in 120 languages is available through the 24 hour helpline.
- Meningitis Research Foundation currently funds 18 research projects and since it was founded in 1989 has spent in excess if €18 million on research. This is by far the largest commitment of any meningitis charity.