Christmastime sees meningitis cases rise

A CHARITY is urging people to look for warning signs of a potentially fatal disease this Christmas.

The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) says that cases of meningitis and septicaemia are expected to rise as a result of students coming home for the holidays.

Freshers are one of the groups at highest risk as they are a group most likely to ‘carry’ the meningococcal bacteria. The MRF said that even if they don’t become ill they can carry the bacteria and spread it to other family members.

On average there are over three times as many cases of the most common cause of bacterial meningitis (meningococcal) in January compared with September.

While babies and young children are most at-risk of meningitis and septicaemia, teenagers and young adults are the next most at-risk group.

The bacteria that can cause deadly meningitis and septicaemia are most commonly found living harmlessly in the nose and throats of teenagers and young adults. The vast majority of people who come into contact with the bacteria do not become unwell or develop any symptoms but occasionally the bacteria invade the body and cause serious illness.

Christmas is the peak season for meningitis. This is thought to be due to the bacteria being able to invade the body more easily via the nose and throat at this time of year due to co-infection with flu virus, and because the bacteria can spread more rapidly when people spend longer periods indoors in close proximity.

The MenACWY vaccination programme was introduced for teenagers and first year university students in 2015 following a rapid rise in a new and particularly deadly type of meningitis - meningococcal W meningitis and septicaemia (MenW) - identified by MRF’s Meningococcal Genome Library.

MRF is urging all first year university students to get their MenACWY vaccine if they have not already had it. Most people aged 14 to 20 are also eligible for this free life-saving vaccine whether they are attending university or not. It’s easy for anyone to find out if they are eligible and how they can get the vaccine at: www. meningitis.org/oneshot.

Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that strike without warning. One in 10 people affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, blindness or hearing loss.

Rapid identification and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia provides the best chance of survival. However it can often be missed because in the early stages the symptoms resemble many other less serious illnesses, such as flu.

Early symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.

Someone with meningitis or septicaemia will rapidly deteriorate.

Vinny Smith, Chief Executive of MRF said, “Christmas should be a happy occasion for families but it’s the peak season for the disease. Over the festive period it’s more important than ever for families to be vigilant and know the symptoms.

“With the threat to university students peaking in December, any unvaccinated first year students should get their free MenACWY vaccine urgently to protect themselves from four types of meningitis and septicaemia – Men A, C, W and Y. This will not only protect them but will also help protect their family and friends by stopping the bacteria from spreading.”

To find out more visit www. meningitis.org/symptoms or call 080 8800 3344.