You may have heard that there have been some cases of Meningococcal disease in Kent.
There are currently no confirmed cases in South Tees however Public Health South Tees are working closely with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to monitor the national situation and ensure that you have the most up-to-date guidance and resources.
What Is Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal meningitis (swelling of the lining around the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are serious bacterial infections that can worsen within hours. Without urgent hospital treatment, they can cause permanent disability or be fatal.
Spotting the signs
Symptoms can appear in any order, and deterioration can be very fast. Always seek urgent medical help if you are worried.
Please note: the following symptoms may not all develop, and they can occur in any order.
Meningitis symptoms to be aware of for teenagers and adults:
- fever
- very bad headache
- stiff neck
- dislike of bright lights
- rash
- confusion, delirium
- severe sleepiness, losing consciousness, being difficult to wake
- seizures
- High pitched screaming and a tense or bulging soft spot on their head are both symptoms in babies
Septicaemia symptoms to be aware of for teenagers and adults:
- fever and shivering
- severe pains and aches in limbs and joints
- very cold hands and feet
- pale or mottled skin
- rapid breathing
- diarrhoea and stomach cramps
- red or purple ‘bruised’ or blotchy rash with spots that do not fade when pressed with a glass
- difficulty walking or standing
- severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
Early detection and action save lives
Parents, carers, or school staff should seek urgent medical advice is they suspect a child/teenager has symptoms on Meningococcal disease.
- Call 111 or visit NHS111 online for symptom checking
- Dial 999 immediately if meningococcal disease is suspected.
Vaccination
- Vaccination provides the best protection against Meningococcal disease.
- The MenACWY vaccine is part of the routine vaccination schedule for teenagers in Year 9.
- If a teenager has missed their MenACWY vaccine they can catch up at their GP practice at any point up to their 25th birthday.
- The Men B vaccine is currently only available for those born before 2015 by private prescription. Similarly if a child born from 2015 has missed their childhood vaccines they can catch up at their GP practice.
If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, contact your GP.
You might find the following resources useful:
