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Everything we know about symptoms of meningitis after two people die amid UK outbreak
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Another 11 people are being treated in hospital amid the outbreak
Everything we know about symptoms of meningitis after two people die amid outbreak
- Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said: “We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved. Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Advice and support is being offered to the wider student community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.”
- Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include a high temperature, being sick, a headache, a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, seizures.
- According to the NHS, meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
- The NHS advises that meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing, coughing, kissing. Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.
- People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week.
- The NHS advises people to call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. “Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops,” the NHS advises.
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