The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a statement to raise awareness of meningitis symptoms following a recently reported outbreak of the disease in South East England.

While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently leading the response to the outbreak, the PHA has clarified that there is no increased risk to the population in Northern Ireland at this time.

Meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that can infect the brain or cause general septicaemia. Health officials are reminding the public, particularly students and parents of young children, to familiarise themselves with the signs of the illness, as the condition can progress with devastating speed.

Dr Maeve Middleton, Specialty Registrar in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: "Meningitis can progress very quickly, and its impact can be devastating, early prompt actions with seeking medical care are key.

"It can affect anyone, but is common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. University students and young adults are among the groups at increased risk because meningitis bacteria can spread more easily in settings where people live, study and socialise closely together.

"We urge students, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and act fast if they suspect they may have it." Dr Middleton added that if anyone feels unusually unwell, particularly with an unusual headache, they should consult their GP immediately. Symptoms often develop suddenly and can include a high temperature over 37.5°C, vomiting, headache, a stiff neck, and a dislike of bright lights. A characteristic blotchy rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it may also appear, though this is not always present.

In babies, additional warning signs include refusing feeds, being agitated or floppy, having a bulging soft spot on the head, or an unusual high-pitched cry.

Addressing the importance of immunisation, Dr Maeve Middleton concluded: "There are five main groups of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia – A, B, C, W and Y.

"In Northern Ireland, young babies receive the Men B vaccine as part of the childhood immunisation programme. The MenACWY vaccine helps protect young people against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia: meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y disease. You only need one dose of the vaccine, it is given as a single injection in the upper arm. Pupils in year 11 are automatically offered the vaccine in school by the school health team, with a second chance to have it again in year 12, if they missed out the first time.

"If you're aged 25 or under, at university for the first time and haven't yet had the MenACWY vaccination, you should ask your GP for the vaccine.

"If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can to make sure they have maximum protection against disease."