Meningitis
Meningitis causes the inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Thankfully, vaccinations have resulted in a substantial reduction in cases of meningitis. However, outbreaks do occasionally occur, particularly in institutions such as schools and universities.
Factors that may increase the risk of contracting meningitis include smoking, kissing on the mouth and attending large gatherings. The organisms that cause meningitis live naturally in the back of the nose and throat: between 10 and 15 per cent of the population will be carriers that display no symptoms. However, the illness can develop rapidly and patients may become seriously ill within a few hours.
If you, a member of your family, a friend or colleague feel unwells, check for one or more of the following symptoms:
- Severe headache
- High temperature/fever
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Aversion to bright lights
- Drowsiness or lethargy
- Joint or muscle pains
- A rash of red/purple spots which looks like bruising under the skin.
Not all of these symptoms will necessarily occur together.
Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning). In this case a rash of blood spots appears under the skin. If untreated they become larger, like fresh bruises. A simple test is to press a glass against the skin - the spots do not turn white when pressed.
If you have, or suspect others have, the symptoms (not all of which may appear at once), you should contact the surgery immediately.
If the situation appears to be an emergency, call 999.
