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Be alert for meningitis this winter

15 November 2010

The South West (North) Health Protection Unit based in Gloucester and the Meningitis Trust in Stroud are working together to remind people in the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area to stay alert to the signs and symptoms of meningitis this winter and to act swiftly if meningitis is suspected.


Mark Evans, Unit Director of the SW (North) Health Protection Unit said: "There are approximately 3,500 reported cases of meningitis each year in the UK. So far this year (from Jan - September) throughout Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire there have been 32 confirmed cases. Last year in 2009 the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area had a total of 44 confirmed cases with over half of these occurring between October and January

"Although meningitis can happen at any time of the year, our surveillance confirms that meningococcal meningitis is most prevalent in the winter months. It is therefore important that people are reminded of the signs and symptoms at this time of year.

"Early meningitis symptoms can easily be confused with seasonal flu - do not take a chance, if you think someone has meningitis, call the doctor immediately or take the patient to the nearest accident and emergency department.

"However, I would like to reassure you, that although we do see more cases at this time of year, meningitis is not very infectious and secondary cases are unusual, even amongst close household contacts."

Sue Davie, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Trust based in Stroud said: "The Meningitis Trust works very closely with the HPA, especially at this time of the year as we see an increase in cases of the deadly disease.

"We would ask anyone with concerns, to contact someone, whether this is your doctor, NHS direct, local A&E department or if you have experienced meningitis to contact the Trust for information and support by calling our 24-hour nurse-staffed helpline on 0800 028 18 28.

"A lot of people who call for medical help, start by saying, 'I am probably being silly but.' I want to reassure anyone that is thinking of calling, that your call will always be taken seriously, and as Mark said, it is not worth taking the chance."

Meningococcus bacterium causes Meningitis. It causes inflammation of the brain lining and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning).  The infectious disease can kill within hours or leave people with severe after-effects. Meningitis can occur at any age, although most cases are recorded in children under four years old and teenagers.

Early symptoms of the disease may include:

  • Sudden onset of high fever A severe and worsening headache (without any other obvious cause)
  • Severe neck stiffness
  • Dislike of bright lights (photophobia)
  • Very cold hands and feet
  • Drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma
  • A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass (this is due to bleeding under the skin).However this may not appear at all.
  • Babies with meningococcal disease tend to be irritable when picked up and have a high pitched cry, stiff body and jerking movements.


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Note to editors
Meningitis C vaccination has been available since 1999 and all parents and guardians are strongly advised to ensure that their children have the lifelong protection it affords against that particular disease. The vaccine is available to anyone up to the age of 25.


Further useful information on meningococcal infection is available from:

Last reviewed: 15 November 2010