23 Press release - Be vigilant for meningitis

Dr Vinod Tohani, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with the Public Health Agency is urging people to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

He says: “Every year during the autumn and winter months the number of cases of meningitis increases so it is important that people can recognise the signs and symptoms of the disease and know what to do if they suspect someone they know may have meningitis or septicaemia.

Dr Tohani is also stressing the importance of children receiving their Meningitis C vaccine. “The Meningitis C vaccine has been very successful in reducing the numbers of cases of Group C Meningitis. This vaccine is safe and highly effective and parents should be reassured to know that they are protecting their children against this very dangerous strain of the disease. But it is important to remember that the vaccine cannot protect against other causes of meningitis or septicaemia which are generally due to the group B bacteria against which there is no vaccine.”

Dr Tohani advises that it is vital that parents and professionals remain aware of the symptoms of the infection and seek medical attention urgently if signs develop. Acting quickly can save lives.

Signs and Symptoms

• Raised temperature (37.5°C and above)

• Fretfulness

• Vomiting

• Refusal to eat

A baby or a young child developing meningitis or septicaemia can become extremely ill within a matter of hours. Symptoms and signs at this stage include:

• High pitched cry

• Difficult to wake

• Very high temperature (39°C or above)

• Pale or blotchy skin

• Red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure (Do the glass test – place a clear glass firmly against the rash – if the rash does not disappear you must seek medical attention urgently.)

• Stiffness in the neck, check if the child can touch their forehead to their knee

• Drowsiness or confusion

• Severe headache

• Dislike of bright light

• Painful joints

Finally, Dr Tohani is reassuring members of the public that when a case of meningitis is reported to the Agency, antibiotics are quickly given to people who have been living and sleeping in the same household as the patient in order to prevent further cases. There is no need for people who have not been in prolonged close household contact with the affected person to take antibiotics.

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Signs and Symptoms