Parents reminded about meningitis symptoms

The CMO today reminded people of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as this is the time of year when cases rise.

Both meningitis and septicaemia are very serious. It is important that everyone can recognise the signs and symptoms and know what to do if they see them.

The early symptoms of meningitis such as fever, restlessness and vomiting can be similar to a cold or flu. However, people with meningitis adn septicaemia can become seriously ill within hours, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms.

In babies, parents should look out for one or more the following symptoms:

• a high-pitched, moaning cry
• a bulging fonatenelle
• being difficult to wake
• floppy and listless or stiff with jerky movements
• refusing feeds
• rapid/ unusual/ difficult breathing (septicaemia)
• pale or blotchy skin
• red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure (septicaemia) - use the glass test below.

In older children, parents should look out for:

• a stiff neck (check that they can kiss their knees or touch their forehead with their knees)
• severe pains and aches in your back and joints (septicaemia)
• sleepiness or confusion (septicaemia)
• a very bad headache (alone this is not a reason to seek medical help)
• a dislike of bright lights
• very cold hands and feet (septicaemia)
• shivering (septicaemia)
• rapid breathing (septicaemia)
• red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure (septicaemia) - use the glass test below.

It is important to remember that not everyone will develop all the symptoms listed above. If an individual develops some of the symptoms described above, especially red or purple spots, get medical help urgently. If you can’t get in touch with your doctor, or are still worried after getting advice, trust your instincts and take your child to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.

Worried parents can use the 'glass test'. Press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly against the rash. You are looking to see whether the rash fades and loses colour under pressure. If it doesn’t change colour and go pale, contact your doctor immediately. Septicaemia can be caused by a number of infections, but meningococcal infection is the one most likely to cause the red or purple spots.

Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson said:

"We can't protect against all types of meningitis so it's important that parents and carers are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and particularly to know how to do the 'Glass Test' so that they can get medical help urgently.

The good news is that cases of Meningitis C are at their lowest ever levels. The UK was the first country in the world to introduce a new meningitis C vaccine in 1999-2000. We estimate that more than 360 deaths and around 3000 cases have been prevented since this vaccine was introduced."

Meningitis Awareness guidelines have been posted on the Department of Health’s immunisation website, issued to NHS Direct and shared with the Meningitis Trust and the Meningitis Research Foundation. The guidelines will be included in the next CMO update to all doctors.

 

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