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Meningitis Warning In The West Midlands
Health chiefs in the West Midlands are urging people to be on the lookout for meningitis this winter as well as swine flu.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) say that because immune systems are generally weaker around this time of year, due to flu and colds, people are at an equally high risk of contracting viruses like meningitis as they are the H1N1 flu strain.
Meningitis is caused by meningococcal bacteria, which can cause the lining of the brain to become inflamed or blood poisoning, sometimes called septicaemia.
Anyone is at risk, but most cases are in children under the age of four. Teenagers between 13 and 19 are the next most vulnerable group.
Dr Musarrat Afza, a consultant in communicable disease control for the HPA in the West Midlands, said: "We tend to see more cases in the winter months and particularly when flu is around, as people with flu are more susceptible to meningitis."
"People should be particularly vigilant this year as we have swine flu in the community in addition to the normal seasonal flu."
The signs to look out for if you think you might have meningitis:
- Sudden onset of high fever
- A severe and worsening headache (without any other obvious cause)
- Severe neck stiffness
- Dislike of bright lights
- Very cold hands and feet
- Drowsiness that can turn into a feever
- A rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass, caused by bleeding under the skin.
Babies with meningitis tend to be irritable when picked up and have a high pitched cry, a stiff body or will jerk violently.
Anyone worried should contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.