Parents warned to check for signs of deadly brain bug
12.08.11
PARENTS are being warned their children are at risk of deadly brain bug meningitis as they return to school – even if they have been vaccinated against the disease.
Charity Meningitis UK is stressing the importance of spotting meningitis symptoms as there is still no vaccine to guard against the most common and one of the most deadly forms – meningitis B.
Although successful vaccines exist against some forms of meningitis, including Hib, Meningitis C and pneumococcal meningitis, children are still at risk from this disease which can kill in under four hours.
The close confines of the classroom provide the perfect breeding ground for germs.
Parents should watch out for a headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright light as well as difficulty supporting their own weight, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, confusion and drowsiness.
Meningitis can cause blood poisoning known as septicaemia, which can have the symptoms of aching limbs, cold hands and feet and a rash.
As well as ensuring their children have been vaccinated, the charity also stresses the importance of making sure youngsters receive booster shots to reduce the risk of infection.
Meningitis UK's chief executive, Steve Dayman, who lost his own son Spencer to the disease, said: "It is vital parents trust their instincts and seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. In the absence of a vaccine against all forms of meningitis, this could mean the difference between life and death.
"Many parents wrongly believe their child is fully protected from meningitis, which could prove fatal.
"We're urging them to know the facts and be extra vigilant as their children return to the crowded school environment.
"Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise in the early stages because the initial symptoms are similar to many mild childhood diseases.
"A child with bacterial meningitis or septicaemia will usually get ill quickly and can deteriorate fast, so parents should check their children often."
Meningitis kills more under-fives than any other infectious disease and teenagers and students are also more vulnerable.
Meningitis UK's sole focus is to develop a vaccine to protect against all forms of meningitis and associated diseases.
This disease, which can kill within hours, often leaves survivors with severe after-effects including brain damage, sight and hearing loss, limb loss and scarring.
Meningitis UK is offering the public free symptoms information packs to help raise awareness. These include a leaflet with all the facts and frequently asked questions, plus a 'Check the Symptoms' fridge magnet and a handy wallet-sized symptoms card.
To order your free symptoms information pack, please call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774