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)