Flintshire County Council’s Public Protection Service would like to remind parents and students about the dangers of Meningitis.
This message coincides with Meningitis Awareness Week across the UK which took place recently and also an increase in cases of meningitis and septicaemia as we move into autumn and winter.
Meningitis is a swelling of the brain and spinal cord lining. Septicaemia is a blood poisoning caused by the same germ as meningitis. A sufferer may have classic meningitis or meningitis with septicaemia. Meningitis can kill within 48 hours and early treatment is vital.
According to the charity, Meningitis UK, around six families a week in the UK face the devastation of losing a loved-one to meningitis. Children under five are the most at risk group, but the next most vulnerable group are teenagers and young adults (16 to 25).
One in four teenagers and young adults carry the meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throats without the bacteria causing them illness. It can then be passed on from person to person by coughing, sneezing and kissing.
The symptoms of meningitis can include fever, cold hands and feet, vomiting, muscle pain, drowsiness, confusion, stiff neck, headache, difficulty with bright lights, stomach pain, diarrhoea and a rash that does not fade under pressure. All or just some of these symptoms may be present. The rash can appear late or not at all. The rash is more difficult to see on darker skin; look on paler areas of the skin and under the eyelids.
Councillor Kevin Jones, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Waste and Recycling, said:
“It is important that we all know the symptoms of Meningitis. This dreadful disease causes around 300 deaths a year. Vaccines are available against certain types of bacterial Meningitis and are given as part of the childhood immunisation programme. It is important that vaccinations are up to date. Furthermore, if you have youngsters that are leaving home for college or university this September, please make sure that they know the symptoms. If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, get medical help immediately.”
The Council is working in collaboration with Public Health Wales to raise awareness of Meningitis. Anyone that would like further information on this disease including details of vaccinations that are available should visit the NHS Choices web site at www.nhs.uk
