Be alert for symptoms of meningitis - United Kingdom

A Thornbury based charity is urging people to be aware of symptoms of meningitis even in summer months.

The national Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is warning the public that meningitis can strike at any time of the year.

The charity said many people believe meningitis and septicaemia – the blood poisoning form of the disease – can only be contracted during the winter months, when people are more susceptible to illness. But the diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time.

MRF is encouraging people to familiarise themselves with information and advice on how to spot symptoms as cases of viral meningitis are known to peak during periods of hot weather.

While viral meningitis is almost never life threatening it is very unpleasant and can have long-lasting after-effects.

Both meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at first and symptoms can appear in any order, however shared symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell, just like in many other illnesses.

Serious symptoms of meningitis can include a rash (which is not present in all cases) – neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, seizures and being very sleepy or difficult to wake. Signs of septicaemia to be aware of include pale or mottled skin, cold hands and feet, and muscle pain.

The consequences of meningitis can be devastating with one in ten dying while around a quarter of survivors can be left with life altering after effects such as brain damage, limb loss and hearing loss.

Christopher Head, Meningitis Research Foundation chief executive, said: " Don't be complacent during the summer months, knowing the symptoms and acting fast can save lives."