Urgent warning over a spike in meningitis cases – the 9 signs you must never ignore


PARENTS have been urged to look out for the signs of a deadly illness as cases climb.

Latest figures show 65 confirmed incidences of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

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Charity Meningitis Now says it is concerned that these figures will continue to increase following historic lows seen during CovidCredit: Getty

While these numbers are still well below the pre-pandemic levels, experts are particularly worried about cases of MenB.

Of these 65 cases, MenB accounted for 57 in total, which equates to 88 per cent.

There were three cases of MenW, with one occurring in the 20 to 24 age group.

Overall, there were 14 cases in children aged under 5 and all but one of these were MenB.

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In total there were 29 cases in the 15 to 19 age group, with 26 due to MenB.

MeB is usually caused by a bacteria that lives within the nose and throat. It can spread between close contact such as coughing, kissing or sneezing.

There are several different types of meningococcal bacteria including A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z.

The figures account for the period between October and December 2021, but compared to 2020, cases have soared.

There were just 19 cases in the previous year, and charity Meningitis Now says it is concerned that these figures will continue to increase following historic lows seen during Covid.

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by bacteria or viruses.

The bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia.

The early signs and symptoms can be similar to flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain – which some people can mistake for Covid and even hangovers.

The 9 signs of meningitis you need to know

The symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and include:

  1. A high fever over 37.5 degrees – the average human temperature
  2. being sick
  3. a headache
  4. a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it
  5. stiffness, especially in the neck
  6. sensitivity to bright lights
  7. drowsiness, irritability or lack of energy
  8. cold hands and feet
  9. seizures

The classic rash associated with meningitis usually looks like small, red pinpricks at first.

But it will spread over the body and turn into red or purple blotches.

If you press the side of a glass firmly against the skin where the rash is and it does not fade, it is a sign of blood poisoning and you should get medical help immediately

One teenager studying in Edinburgh, recently told how she thought she had been ‘overdoing it’ during freshers week – only to find she was suffering with meningitis.

Alice Jenkins woke up with aching limbs and a high temperature – but first put it down to Covid – as her flatmates had recently had the bug.

Meningitis Now chief executive Dr Tom Nutt said the organisation’s fears have come true – as cases of invasive meningococcal disease rage as young people start to mix once more.

He added that a worrying aspect of the figures is the number of MenB cases in teenagers.

“Although most teenagers will be vaccinated for MenACWY, this will not protect them against MenB.

“These latest figures bear that out and while overall numbers are still well below pre-pandemic levels, the significant growth in the number of cases is concerning, with nearly half of all recorded cases affecting children and teenagers.”

Tom said that it’s viral people keep up with their vaccines and learn the key signs and symptoms of the illness.

“We know early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes. And it could help save someone’s life.”

“Every day we hear of new cases and the heartbreak they can cause.

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“These latest figures just spur us on to greater efforts as we work towards our vision – where no one dies from this disease and everyone affected gets the support they need,” he added.

If you think someone has meningitis you should seek urgent help – in an emergency, always dial 999.

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