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New quadrivalent meningitis vaccine to save lives
15 November 2007
News today from the World Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases meeting in Thailand, indicates that a new meningitis vaccine against strains A, C, W135 and Y could protect infants as young as six months of age.
Meningitis Research Foundation welcomes this news. Every year world-wide there are approximately half a million cases of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. Sadly some 50,000 deaths occur and up to 100,000 of those who survive are left with permanent disability such as deafness, brain damage and limb loss.
Chris Head, Meningitis Research Foundation's Chief Executive commented: "The prospect of broader protection against meningitis and septicaemia is tremendously encouraging, particularly for young children who bear the greatest burden from these deadly diseases. Currently available vaccines provide very limited protection against strains A,W135 and Y in these vulnerable youngsters. This new vaccine could save many young lives across the globe."
Media Contact: Julia Warren 01454 281811 or 07711 057875
Notes to Editor :
- Meningitis Research Foundation currently funds 18 research projects. 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.
- Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.
Symptoms of meningitis:
Fever; vomiting; severe headache; rash (not present in all cases); 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; vomiting; limb/joint/muscle pain (sometimes stomach pain/diarrhoea); pale or mottled skin; cold hands and feet; shivering; breathing fast/breathless; rash (anywhere on the body); 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.