Menu
04/01/2005
Parents reminded about signs of meningitis
The Chief Medical Officer has warned parents and health professionals to look out for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.
The number of cases of both these serious illnesses tend to rise at this time of year.
The early signs of meningitis, such as fever, restlessness and vomiting, can be similar to a cold or flu. However, there are a number of other symptoms which can indicate the presence of meningitis. In babies, parents should look out for one or more of the following symptoms: a high-pitched, moaning cry, a bulging fonatenelle, being difficult to wake, being floppy and listless or stiff with jerky movemets, refusing feeds, pale or blotchy skin, rapid, unusual and/or difficult breathing and red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure.
For older chilren, parents should be on the look out for symptoms such as a stiff neck, an extremely bad headache, a dislike of bright lights; severe pains and aches in the back and joints, sleepiness or confuson, very cold hands and feet, shivering, rapid breathing and red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure.
Not all patients will display all the symptom listed, however, if someone should develop some of those symptoms, especially the red or purple spots, medical help must be sought immediately.
If you are unsure if the rash is an indication of meningitis, the best indicator is to use the 'glass test'. Simply press the side of a clear drinking glass agains the rash and look to see if the rash fades or loses colour under pressure. If it doesn't, contact your GP 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 aid: "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."
Further information on meningitis and septicaemia is available from www.immunisation.nhs.uk, as well as the Meningitis Research Foundation www.meningitis.org and the Meningitis Trust www.meningitis-trust.org or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for further information.
(KMcA/SP)
The number of cases of both these serious illnesses tend to rise at this time of year.
The early signs of meningitis, such as fever, restlessness and vomiting, can be similar to a cold or flu. However, there are a number of other symptoms which can indicate the presence of meningitis. In babies, parents should look out for one or more of the following symptoms: a high-pitched, moaning cry, a bulging fonatenelle, being difficult to wake, being floppy and listless or stiff with jerky movemets, refusing feeds, pale or blotchy skin, rapid, unusual and/or difficult breathing and red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure.
For older chilren, parents should be on the look out for symptoms such as a stiff neck, an extremely bad headache, a dislike of bright lights; severe pains and aches in the back and joints, sleepiness or confuson, very cold hands and feet, shivering, rapid breathing and red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure.
Not all patients will display all the symptom listed, however, if someone should develop some of those symptoms, especially the red or purple spots, medical help must be sought immediately.
If you are unsure if the rash is an indication of meningitis, the best indicator is to use the 'glass test'. Simply press the side of a clear drinking glass agains the rash and look to see if the rash fades or loses colour under pressure. If it doesn't, contact your GP 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 aid: "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."
Further information on meningitis and septicaemia is available from www.immunisation.nhs.uk, as well as the Meningitis Research Foundation www.meningitis.org and the Meningitis Trust www.meningitis-trust.org or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for further information.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 January 2006
Parents warned of early meningitis symptoms
Parents are being given new advice about early signs of meningitis, after a study identified several early symptoms.
Parents warned of early meningitis symptoms
Parents are being given new advice about early signs of meningitis, after a study identified several early symptoms.
08 February 2006
Children to receive new vaccine
Children in the UK are to receive a vaccine against a disease, which causes blood poisoning, meningitis, pneumonia, under new plans announced today. A routine pneumococcal vaccine is being introduced as part of a series of changes to the childhood immunisation programme. The jab, which will be given in three doses, will be introduced from April.
Children to receive new vaccine
Children in the UK are to receive a vaccine against a disease, which causes blood poisoning, meningitis, pneumonia, under new plans announced today. A routine pneumococcal vaccine is being introduced as part of a series of changes to the childhood immunisation programme. The jab, which will be given in three doses, will be introduced from April.
12 December 2013
Seven-Year-Old Dies After Contracting Meningitis
A seven-year-old boy has died after contracting meningitis. According to reports, the pupil from Little Bloxhill Primary School in Walsall died in hospital on Monday. Public Health England has confirmed that it is investigating "a case of meningococcal disease".
Seven-Year-Old Dies After Contracting Meningitis
A seven-year-old boy has died after contracting meningitis. According to reports, the pupil from Little Bloxhill Primary School in Walsall died in hospital on Monday. Public Health England has confirmed that it is investigating "a case of meningococcal disease".
22 February 2008
Businesses Challenged To Raise Funds For Meningitis UK
Businesses across Scotland are being urged to prove they are up to the challenge of raising funds for national charity Meningitis UK. On Friday, April 4, Meningitis UK is holding a '4 Hour Challenge' and asking companies to take four hours out of their day to raise as much money as possible.
Businesses Challenged To Raise Funds For Meningitis UK
Businesses across Scotland are being urged to prove they are up to the challenge of raising funds for national charity Meningitis UK. On Friday, April 4, Meningitis UK is holding a '4 Hour Challenge' and asking companies to take four hours out of their day to raise as much money as possible.
06 January 2004
Research promises to beat common meningitis bug
The latest research into a broad spectrum vaccine may have led to a breakthrough in protecting against all strains of meningococcal meningitis.
Research promises to beat common meningitis bug
The latest research into a broad spectrum vaccine may have led to a breakthrough in protecting against all strains of meningococcal meningitis.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
