What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself

Reports of meningitis cases in Kent may be concerning, but Devon’s local risk remains unchanged with no evidence of wider spread. Still, be aware of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and stay vigilant as they can develop rapidly.

You may have seen reports of meningitis cases in Kent. We want to reassure you that the local risk in Devon has not changed, and there is currently no evidence of wider spread.

However, it’s always important for people to be aware signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and for people to stay vigilant as these illnesses can develop very quickly.

Although vaccinations against meningitis can offer some protection against getting the infection, not all causes of meningitis are preventable by having vaccinations.  Therefore, it’s still really important to recognise the symptoms, even if you have already been vaccinated.

What is Meningococcal disease, (meningitis and septicaemia)?

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Septicaemia is a serious infection of the bloodstream.

The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms below can present in any order and may not always be present. Although the rash is often the most known symptom, this does not always occur and can develop after other earlier symptoms so important not to wait for a rash.

The symptoms include:

• a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
• sudden onset of high fever
• severe and worsening headache
• stiff neck
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• joint and muscle pain
• dislike of bright lights
• very cold hands and feet
• seizures
• confusion/delirium
• extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

People with meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis can become seriously unwell very quickly. This means checking on people (and encouraging young people living away to check on friends) as rapid treatment is critical.

Call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or someone in your care could have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis.

Trust your instincts and do not wait for all symptoms or for a rash to develop.

Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re unsure whether it’s serious.

Different strains of the disease and vaccination

There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection, and some, but not all  are covered by vaccinations.

The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 with catch up available in school Years 10 and 11 and community clinics from the Devon School Aged Immunisation service, Kernow Health.

For those who have left school, they are able to access this vaccination via their registered GP up to age 25.

Since May 2015, babies are offered vaccination for Men B as part of the routine programme at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year by their registered GP. These vaccinations can be caught up, up to the age of 2.

The Men B vaccine does not protect against all MenB bacterium types. This is why we always raise awareness of signs and symptoms alongside the available vaccines.

Many of the routine childhood vaccinations that are offered at varying ages can help protect against infections relevant to meningitis and septicaemia.  As well as the two described above:

• 6-in-1 vaccine: For babies given at 8, 12, 16 weeks and 18 months
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Two doses for babies given at 16 weeks and 1 year; single dose for adults aged 65+
• MMRV vaccine: For babies given at 1 year, with a second dose at 18 months (schedule recently changed to include Varicella (chickenpox) to the MMR)
• MenACWY vaccine: For teenagers aged 13 to 14

To remind yourself of whether your children have had all routine vaccinations you can check your child’s Red Book. Alternatively, the NHS app can also provide a vaccination history, or ask your registered GP practice.

If you are ever concerned about your child or a family member, please trust your instincts and seek medical advice urgently Meningitis – NHS.

Other sources of information

The UKHSA has published a useful blog about meningococcal disease, including information about the symptoms, how to recognise it, and when to seek medical help.

This is what Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said:

He said:

“There is no evidence to suggest that the cases identified in Kent have spread further, but it’s always sensible advice for people to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, as these can sometimes be overlooked or mistaken as other illnesses.

“The MenACWY vaccine, routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10, gives good protection against four important causes of meningitis: MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. However, no single vaccine can prevent all forms of meningitis. Other strains, such as MenB, which can circulate among young adults, are not covered by this vaccine. That’s why it remains so important to know how to spot the symptoms early, as rapid detection and treatment can save lives

“Meningitis and septicaemia can become very serious very quickly. If you are worried about yourself or someone else, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse, don’t wait for all symptoms to appear and don’t’ wat for a rash.

“Trust your instincts and get medical help urgently by calling NHS 111, or dial 999 straight away if someone is seriously unwell.

“One of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves and our communities is by taking up the vaccinations we are offered. Vaccines play a cricuial role of reducing the risk of infection diseases and provide an important layer of protection alongside knowing the symptoms and acting fact when concerned.”