Meningococcal disease does not spread easily, and outbreaks of this size are rare. If you have not been contacted directly by UKHSA, the risk to you/your child/your setting is low. You or your child can continue to attend school/college/events as normal unless you have been directly advised otherwise by your local health protection team.
You may find some of the information below helpful. Please also see Meningitis B outbreak: what you need to know – UK Health Security Agency.
Preventing the spread of meningococcal disease
The best way to stop the disease spreading is by giving antibiotics to the very close contacts of the patient with the illness. That usually means that only people who live in the same house as the sick person need treatment. Contacts do not need to isolate and can go about their daily activities, including attending educational settings, clubs and workplace.
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningitis. Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of Meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease
It is sensible to be aware of the main signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, outlined below.
Some common signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease
- High temperature
- Rapid breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhoea and stomach cramps
- Joint or muscle pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Severe headache
- Pale blotchy skin
- Stiff neck
- Confusion and/or irritability
- Dislike of bright light
- Drowsiness or difficult to wake
- Rash or bruising rash
- Seizures or fits
One or more of these symptoms may develop and they can appear in any order.
Meningococcal disease can be hard to identify at first because it can be like a bad case of flu. However, anyone affected with meningococcal disease will usually become seriously ill within a few hours. You should keep checking yourself/ your child if they are unwell and contact your GP (family doctor) or NHS 111 for advice if you have any concerns.
If you become worried about your/your child’s condition, particularly if they are getting worse, seek medical help urgently at the closest A&E Department or by dialling 999.
Be watchful and use your instincts. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
Further information on meningococcal disease is available from:
NHS information: Meningitis - NHS
The Meningitis Research Foundation, www.meningitis.org telephone: 0808 800 3344
Meningitis Now, www.meningitisnow.org telephone: 0808 80 10 388 helpline email address: [email protected]
