Information about Meningitis and Septicaemia

Both the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England (NHSE) partners are working to contain the reported incidents of meningitis in Kent.

Meningitis is a serious condition where the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord before inflamed.

Septicaemia is when the bacteria enter the bloodstream to cause blood poisoning.

They can happen to anyone, so it’s important to know the symptoms and risks. Early symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches, can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu.

However, someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours. That's why it's crucial to keep checking on anyone who is unwell.

Meningitis symptoms:

Fever, a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help), vomiting, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, rash which usually does not disappear when a glass is rolled over it (do not wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical advice), confusion, delirium, severe sleepiness, losing consciousness, fits.

Septicaemia symptoms:

Fever and shivering, severe pains and aches in limbs and joints, vomiting, very cold hands and feet, pale or blotchy skin, rapid breathing, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps, red or purple 'bruised' or blotchy rash on skin that does not fade under pressure - do the glass test. On dark skin, check paler areas of the skin such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, inside of the mouth (roof), and the eyelids. Difficulty walking or standing, severe sleepiness, losing consciousness.

If you become worried about yourself, your child, or a friend, particularly if symptoms are getting worse, seek medical help urgently. Early treatment can be life-saving.

Visit the NHS webpage on Meningitis to learn more.  Also, check out the UKHSA blog on Meningitis symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself.