There is currently an outbreak of meningitis in South East England.
What is Meningitis?
Meningococcal infection is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia
Symptoms can appear in any order and may worsen quickly. They can include:
A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
Sudden high temperature (fever)
Severe or worsening headacheStiff neck
Vomiting or diarrhoeaJoint or muscle pain
Sensitivity to bright light
Very cold hands and feet
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
Seizures
Not everyone will develop all symptoms, and they can progress rapidly.
When to seek urgent medical help
If you or someone you are with develops symptoms of meningitis or sepsis, seek urgent medical help. Call999 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department.
Do not wait for all symptoms to appear.
If you are unsure whether symptoms are serious, call NHS 111 for advice.
Vaccination
There is no additional vaccination programme currently recommended beyond the standard NHS schedule.However, young people who missed their MenACWY vaccination (usually given in the teenage years) can still receive it up to age 25. If you think you missed this vaccine, please contact the surgery via our online consultation so we can arrange a vaccination if appropriate.
Who needs to take action?
Public health teams are contacting close contacts of confirmed cases directly and providing antibiotics where necessary. A close contact usually means prolonged close contact in a household-type setting during the 7 days before the person became ill. Examples include:
People living or sleeping in the same household
Partners or intimate contacts
Students sharing a kitchen or accommodation in halls of residence
For people in areas affected by the outbreak there is a Helpline: 03442253861 (open 9-5pm)
