A pharmacist has warned thousands of people get meningitis in the UK – and it can prove fatal
A leading pharmacist is warning of the signs and symptoms of meningitis as a deadly outbreak has claimed two lives in Kent. The outbreak, believed to have affected mostly people aged 18 to 21, has prompted the UK Health Security Agency to contact more than 30,000 students, staff and their families in the Canterbury area.
Well Pharmacy’s Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent, Wendy Lee said: “We’re watching the unfolding situation in Kent with concern and urge anyone who spots signs of this terrible disease to seek immediate medical help – this is not a wait and see illness. We encourage young people aged 18–21 to make sure they are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations. Checking vaccination status and seeking advice from a GP or pharmacist to ensure they are fully protected.”
The specific strain of meningitis has yet to be identified. It is estimated that there are around 8,000 cases of meningitis in the UK. Meningitis symptoms can be easy to dismiss at first – a high temperature, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting. These can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu.
However, without urgent treatment, the infection can become life-threatening within hours. A tell-tale rash is one of the things to look out for – though it does not always show up in the early stages, or at all. Anyone not acting like themselves, appearing confused, with a stiff neck, struggling with bright lights or finding it difficult to wake should be cause for concern. These are serious warning signs that require emergency attention.
In babies, additional signs for parents to watch out for include a high-pitched cry, a bulging soft spot on the top of the head, or a floppy and unresponsive body. Meningitis typically results from a bacterial or viral infection – with bacterial infections less common but more serious.
The infection can pass between people through everyday contact, like sneezing, coughing, or kissing, with most cases contracted from carriers – people who carry bacteria or viruses in their noses or throats without showing any signs of illness. It is possible, though less common, to catch it directly from someone who already has the disease.
Ms Lee has outlined several ways to spot meningitis. She said: “Meningitis is a terrifying infection. You’ll feel seriously unwell very quickly, and, unlike many other illnesses, it can turn life-threatening within a matter of hours.
“What makes it so difficult is that in the early stages, it can feel just like the flu, a high temperature, aching muscles, and vomiting. Easy to brush off, but potentially fatal if you do. But meningitis does have some specific warning signs you need to know.
“If someone has a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, or is becoming confused and difficult to wake — these are serious red flags. And don’t wait for a rash to appear, because it doesn’t always show up early on.
“We urge anyone who suspects meningitis to go to their closest A&E department or call 999. This is not a wait-and-see illness. Spotting the signs early and acting fast could genuinely be the difference between life and death.”
Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis
- a high temperature
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- confusion
- breathing quickly
- muscle and joint pain
- pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- fits (seizures)
For babies:
- refuse feeds
- be irritable
- have a high-pitched cry
- have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive
- have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head
Types of meningitis
Viral
- Viral meningitis is the most common form. It is rarely life-threatening but can still cause serious illness. It tends to resolve on its own, though can leave infected feeling very unwell during recovery.
- Mollaret’s meningitis is a rare and recurring form of the disease. Mollaret’s is a chronic condition, most often linked to infection with the Herpes Simplex virus type 2.
Bacterial
- Bacterial meningitis is a serious and fast-moving condition that requires urgent hospital admission and prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent life-threatening complications.
- Meningococcal disease. This term covers two major illnesses, meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can occur independently but more often together, making it especially dangerous.
- Pneumococcal meningitis is a life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord, it requires swift medical intervention.
- TB meningitis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. This form of the disease is linked to tuberculosis and can be difficult to diagnose due to its gradual onset.
- Group B streptococcal (GBS) meningitis is the leading cause of meningitis in babies, and can cause septicaemia and pneumonia, making it a significant concern in newborns.
- Neonatal meningitis affects newborns and is divided into “early onset” and “late onset”, depending on how soon after birth the condition develops.
- E. coli meningitis is the second most common bacterial cause of meningitis in newborns. E. coli meningitis is a serious condition primarily affecting the very young.
- Hib meningitis is like pneumococcal meningitis, and is a life-threatening disease causing inflammation around the brain and spinal cord – though it has become much less common due to vaccination.
- Listeria meningitis is caused by Listeria bacteria found in certain foods like unpasteurised soft cheeses, pâté, and shellfish. This form can lead to potentially fatal complications.
Other
- Fungal meningitis is a very rare form of the disease and shares similar symptoms but typically develops more gradually rather than suddenly.
- Chemical meningitis is unlike most other forms because it is not caused by an infection. Instead, it is triggered by exposure to a particular substance or chemical that causes inflammation.
- Parasitic meningitis is extremely rare and occurs when certain parasites infect and inflame the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Cryptococcal meningitis is caused by a fungus found in soil and bird droppings, and is most commonly seen in people with weakened immune systems.
- Non-infectious meningitis. Not all meningitis is the result of an infection; this variety is triggered by non-infectious causes like certain medications or other medical conditions.
- Malignant/carcinomatous meningitis is a serious condition when cancer cells spread to the meninges. It is associated with advanced cancer and presents significant treatment challenges.
Treatment
Ms Lee said: “If meningitis is suspected, you will be admitted to hospital straight away for tests to confirm the diagnosis and establish what type of infection you are dealing with, and that is absolutely the right place to be. If it turns out to be bacterial meningitis, you are looking at a hospital stay of at least a week. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and fluids administered directly into a vein, and, in some cases, oxygen delivered through a face mask. It is an intensive process, but it is necessary.
“Viral meningitis, while still very unpleasant, is generally less severe. Most people will start to feel better within a week to ten days and can recover at home with plenty of rest, along with painkillers and medication to help with nausea.
“The key difference between the two is the urgency of hospital treatment; bacterial meningitis cannot wait, whereas viral meningitis can often be managed without a prolonged hospital stay. Either way, getting checked out quickly is essential.
“There are also a number of different vaccinations which will help prevent meningitis from occurring.”
Vaccinations
A[WL1] Meningitis B vaccination and Meningitis ACWY vaccination is available by booking at a pharmacy. The Meningitis B vaccination protects you against bacterial infections caused by the B group of meningococcal bacteria, the leading cause of meningitis in the UK.
The meningitis B vaccine contains inactive parts of the B group meningococcal bacteria, not enough to cause infection, but sufficient to prompt the immune system into producing the antibodies needed to fight it off, protecting against the B strain of the disease. [ 4 ]
The B vaccine is suitable for people between two and 50 years of age and is available to anyone as long as you haven’t previously had the vaccine, or it doesn’t cause an allergic reaction once it is administered. A Meningitis ACWY vaccination protects against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. It is also required when travelling to Saudi Arabia and recommended for other travel destinations.
You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before entering Saudi Arabia, and the vaccine remains valid for five years.
