Parents are put on meningitis alert
Female physician in lab coat and mask isolated on white
A LEADING specialist in communicable diseases is warning parents across Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley to be on their guard against meningitis.
Professor Qutub Syed, director of the Health Protection Agency in the North-West, says everyone should be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal infection as the number of cases increase in the winter.
The infection is caused by a germ and can result in inflammation of the brain lining and/or blood poisoning.
Infection can occur at any age, though most cases are recorded in children under four, and teenagers.
Prof. Syed said the disease is not easy to detect, but everyone should know what to look for and be prepared to take urgent action.
He said: “Our advice is that if you suspect someone has meningococcal disease, call the doctor immediately.
“If the doctor isn’t available, take the patient to the nearest accident and emergency department. Prompt action is vital.”
Early symptoms of the disease may include:
A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass due to bleeding under the skin;
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 deteriorate into a fever; and
Babies being irritable when picked up and have a high pitched cry, stiff body and jerking movements.
Prof. Syed added: “The symptoms are not always present and this can be a problem, particularly in identifying the disease in babies and very young children.
“If a baby is obviously ill or distressed, parents should seek medical help immediately.
“Don’t take a chance with a child’s health.”
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Weather for Pendle
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
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Meningitis Research Foundation
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 10:25 AMAt MRF we understand that meningitis is every parent’s worst nightmare. We provide 24 hour support for anybody affected by, or concerned about, meningitis and septicaemia. Please call our free helpline on 080 8800 3344. Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at first. Symptoms can appear in any order, and can include fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell, just like in many mild illnesses. The 'red flag' symptoms, such as cold hands and feet, pale or mottled skin, and limb, joint or muscle pain, often appear earlier than these symptoms so people need to be vigilant. For further information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis please visit our website www.meningitis.org or download our free app - http:itunes.apple.com.mrfapp - which has information on signs and symptoms and links to your local A&E.
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