Between 2007 and 2008 there were 1,262 laboratory confirmed cases of meningococcal disease(1), from which sixty-one people died(2). That's 1 in 20! Most of those who died were under the age of 19.
Infection with a meningitis causing bacteria can be extremely difficult to diagnose and often presents with vague flu-like symptoms. The disease has the potential to kill within only four hours and can affect any age group. Most survivors make a full recovery; however, up to 25% will suffer serious complications resulting in permanent disability. Being alert to the symptoms, and knowing what to do when an infection occurs, could save your life.
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis (of which there are many strains). This bacterium is often found living relatively harmlessly on the skin, especially in areas such as the nose and throat. There are occasions where this bacterium can cause severe and life threatening infections such as meningitis and septicaemia. When meningitis or septicaemia is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, it is termed meningococcal disease.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is inflammation of the covering (lining) of the brain. There are three layers of tissue covering the brain, and if they become infected, the result is meningitis. Meningitis can be caused by a wide range of bacteria, viruses and even fungi. Viral meningitis is often a mild illness, and patients recover at home within a few weeks. One of the most serious causes of meningitis is the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. This infection is life threatening.
The symptoms and signs of meningitis include the following:
If you suffer from any of those symptoms marked with an asterix, you must seek urgent medical advice. Not all of these symptoms or signs must be present in order to seek help. If you're not sure, always seek professional medical advice from your doctor or local emergency unit.
What is septicaemia?
Septicaemia is when bacteria enter the blood stream and begin to replicate and produce toxins. When caused by Neisseria meningitidis, this is termed meningococcal septicaemia. Septicaemia is also sometimes referred to as “blood poisoning.” Because it is life threatening, awareness of potential symptoms is crucial.
The symptoms and signs of meningococcal septicaemia include the following:
Again, if you have any of the symptoms marked with an asterisk, you must seek urgent medical advice. Remember, not all of these symptoms and signs must be present; the rash can be a late sign. If you're worried, do not wait for a rash to appear. Always err on the side of caution by checking with a medical professional.
Can it be prevented?
As discussed earlier, there are many different causes of meningitis and septicaemia. Some of the common causes are:
The most common strain of Neisseria meningitidis in the UK is “B.”(3) Unfortunately, there is no vaccines for this strain at the moment, but research is under development.
Except for meningococcal strains A, B, W135 and Y, here in the UK, all of the vaccines are provided as part of the routine childhood vaccination program.
Meningococcal bacterial strains A, W135 and Y are not common strains in the UK. However, UK residents performing the Hajj (a Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia) are more likely to be exposed. Saudi Arabia now requires all visitors performing Hajj to be vaccinated with a special vaccine that protects against those three strains and Group C Meningitis. These vaccines can be obtained from your GP.
Further information
Hopefully you now know what to look for when suspecting meningitis and septicaemia. For further information, please visit the Meningitis Research Foundation and also the Meningitis Trust, a charity that provides support for people who have survived but suffered complications from meningitis.
Sources
1. Health Protection Agency. All laboratory confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease by serogroup, age and epidemiological year. 2009. Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1234859710351?p=1201094595391
2. Health Protection Agency. Reported deaths due to invasive meningococcal disease by age and epidemiological year, 2000-2001 to 200-2008, source ONS. 2009 Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1234510036769?p=1201094595391
3. Health Protection Agency. Meningococcal Reference Unit isolates of Neisseria Meningitides: England and Wales, by serogroup & epidemiological year, 1998/89-2007/08. 2009 Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1234859711901?p=1201094595391
