Meningitis

1 December 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA), Cornwall Council and the Meningitis Research Foundation have teamed up to launch a meningitis awareness campaign in the Cornwall area to coincide with the 10 year anniversary of the meningitis (meningococcal group c) vaccine.

The meningitis group c vaccine has saved hundreds of lives but the vaccine only gives protection from one of the infections that can cause meningitis.

The Cornwall campaign aims to raise awareness throughout the community and across all age ranges. The team, led by the Health Protection Agency, will send out nearly 100,000 leaflets and quick reference credit cards to local early years settings and primary and secondary schools to raise awareness of the disease and the symptoms.

The leaflets and cards are produced by the Meningitis Research Foundation and give parents a guide of what symptoms to look out for in both toddlers and older children.

In addition, the HPA's local Cornwall unit is displaying material about meningitis as part of the "Stay Healthy Fortnight" at Truro College for the end of November and beginning of December.

Brian Guttridge, from the HPA's Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Protection Unit said: "There are approximately 3,500 reported cases of Meningitis each year in the UK. This year in Cornwall there have been 22 reported cases.

"Meningitis is a serious disease and we hope by making parents more aware, they will become more vigilant and be able to detect signs earlier. It is vital that the symptoms of meningitis are noticed at the earliest opportunity.

"Although meningitis can occur at any time of year, meningococcal meningitis is most prevalent between December and February and that is why we are launching the campaign now. We aim to reach as many parents and children as we can in the Cornwall area, the leaflets will be sent to all nurseries and early years settings and the credit cards will be sent to every school child.

"We hope parents will keep the information safe and use it to help them tell the difference between swine flu and meningitis as some of the symptoms could be confused. We also want to make sure that parents understand that the meningitis c vaccine only gives protection against one form of the infection. Parents need to be aware that the vaccine does not protect against other strains of meningococcal infection and therefore they need to remain vigilant for the symptoms. 

"If you are concerned and notice your child has any of the symptoms of meningitis, you should contact your GP,NHS Direct or in an emergency your local A&E Department.

"The campaign is being run in partnership with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Protection Unit, the Children's Services Authority Family Information Service and Meningitis Research Foundation."

Mandy Barkway, a mum from St Austell describes her experience, when her son Ross was taken into hospital with Septicaemia in February 2008.

"When Ross came home from school I noticed he looked very pale and had flu like symptoms. I gave him something for his temperature and put him to bed for the night. The next day, when I went to wake him up I noticed that he had spots all over him like someone had flicked Ribena all over his body.

"From the septicaemia symptoms card, I recognised the spots on Ross's body as Septicaemia. I rang NHS direct, who were brilliant and sent an ambulance straight away.

"Ross was taken to Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro where doctors and nurses were waiting. They rushed him to the intensive care unit and I spent a harrowing night by Ross's bedside, praying that he would be okay. We were so lucky, as Ross made a full recovery.

"I would urge all parents to make themselves aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as quick treatment can save lives. When I was in hospital, they told me that by waiting, for even another 30 minutes, it could have made a massive difference to his chance of recovery.

"Please make sure you take the time to read the leaflets and cards. This disease effects real people in your community and could happen to you or a member of your family.

"Trust your instincts and if you believe your child may have meningitis or septicaemia seek medical treatment immediately."

Richard Williams, Children, young people and family services at Cornwall County Council, said: "Cornwall Council is pleased to be associated with this very important campaign to keep our children and young people in good health.

"We ask parents and carers to read the leaflets and cards they receive and to keep them safe and available for use if an emergency occurs.

"The Council is once again very grateful to the staff of our schools and the early years settings for their help in distributing this potentially life saving information "

Notes for Editors

The Health Protection Agency plays a critical role in protecting people from infectious diseases and in preventing harm when hazards involving chemicals, poisons or radiation occur.
Meningitis symptoms in babies are:
High temperature, fever, possibly with cold hands and feet
Vomiting or refusing feeds
High pitched moaning, whimpering cry
Blank, staring expression
Baby may be floppy, may dislike being handled, be fretful
Difficult to wake or lethargic
The fontanelle (soft spot on babies' heads) may be tense or bulging

Meningitis symptoms in adults and children are:
High temperature, fever, possibly with cold hands and feet
Vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea
Sever headache
Neck stiffness
Joint or muscle pains
Dislike of bright lights
Drowsiness
Fits

The person may be confused or disoriented, both adults and children may have a rash, indicative of septicaemia. These clusters of tiny blood spots may appear to be fresh bruises. The `glass test' can be used to see if a rash might be septicaemic. If you press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly onto the spots or bruises, they will not fade.

Early symptoms of meningococcal disease are often not-specific and easily mistaken for other illnesses.  The symptoms of meningococcal disease can develop quickly and the patient may become seriously ill within a few hours.  Early diagnosis and admission to hospital allows early medical intervention.

Further information is available from the Meningitis Research Foundation (www.meningitis.org), the Meningitis Trust (www.meningitis-trust.org ), NHS Direct (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk), and the HPA (www.hpa.org.uk ).

Last reviewed: 11 March 2010