Kildare people warned to be vigilant as meningitis is expected to peak at Christmas

By Kim O'Leary

People living in Kildare are being warned to be vigilant this holiday season as a deadly illness is expected to reach its peak at Christmas, as the charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is warning that cases of meningitis and septicaemia are expected to rise over the winter period particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

On average there are over three times as many cases of the most common cause of bacterial meningitis (meningococcal) in January compared with September.

While babies and young children are most at-risk of meningitis and septicaemia, teenagers and young adults are the next most at-risk group. Meningitis and septicaemia can affect any one of any age, at any time.

Christmas is the peak season for meningitis and this is thought to be due to the bacteria being able to invade the body more easily via the nose and throat at this time of year due to co-infection with flu virus, and because the bacteria can spread more rapidly when people spend longer periods indoors in close proximity.

Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that strike without warning. One in ten people affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, blindness or hearing loss.

Rapid identification and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia provides the best chance of survival. However it can often be missed because in the early stages the symptoms resemble many other less serious illnesses, such as flu.

Early symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion. Someone unwell with meningitis or septicaemia will become rapidly worse.

Vinny Smith, Chief Executive of MRF said: “Sadly we see even more families affected by meningitis and septicaemia during winter. Christmas should be a happy occasion for families but it’s the peak season for the disease. Over the festive period it’s more important than ever for families to be vigilant and know the symptoms.”

To find out more about the symptoms visit www.meningitis.org/symptoms or call the free helpline on 1800 41 33 4.