Meningitis and septicaemia: know the symptoms and when to get help

Summary

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the NHS are responding to confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease in England particularly around the University of Kent.

Meningitis remains uncommon and spreads mainly to very close contact with a person carrying the infection, even if they don’t have symptoms. When a case of meningitis occurs close contacts are identified, contacted, checked for symptoms and offered antibiotics or a vaccine to prevent illness from developing.

The overall risk of meningitis spreading to the public is therefore low, but when illness does develop it can happen quickly and become very serious. Early treatment saves lives.

What is meningitis and septicaemia?

Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord.

Septicaemia (sometimes called blood poisoning) occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread through the body.

Both conditions can progress rapidly and require urgent medical attention.

How is meningitis spread?

Primarily through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or mucus) during close, prolonged contact, such as kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing food, drinks, or vapes.

Symptoms – act fast

Early Symptoms (can look like flu):

• Fever, vomiting, headache, muscle or joint pain, cold hands and feet, feeling unusually tired or unwell

Later symptoms of meningitis

• Severe sleepiness/difficulty waking, stiff neck, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion/delirium, seizures (fits).

Symptoms of Septicaemia (sepis)

• Fever with shivering, severe pain in muscles/joints/limbs, very cold hands/feet, pale/blotchy/mottled skin, rapid breathing, stomach cramps/diarrhoea, red or purple rash that doesn’t fade with pressure (glass test), difficulty walking/standing, severe sleepiness or loss of consciousness.

Not everyone will have all symptoms, and they can appear in any order. Symptoms can worsen quickly – keep checking on anyone who is unwell. Do not wait for a rash.

What to do

• Worried about yourself or someone else? Call NHS 111 for urgent advice
• If someone is seriously unwell or symptoms are getting worse quickly, call 999 immediately

Vaccination and prevention

Vaccination helps protect against some types of meningococcal disease.

The MenACWY vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY) that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. The vaccine is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10.

Any young person who has missed this vaccine at school remains eligible to receive the vaccine up to the age of 25.

However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as MenB, can circulate among young adults. This is why it is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms regardless of vaccination status.

MenB Vaccine has been given to infants since 2015. There is not currently a catch-up campaign although this is currently under review, however the vaccine is available privately.

If you are unsure about your vaccination status, contact your GP practice for advice.

Find out more

• NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis.
• Meningitis Research Foundation: www.meningitis.org | 0808 800 3344 (24 hours).
• Meningitis Now: www.meningitisnow.org | 0808 80 10 388 (9am-8pm).

Knowing the signs and acting quickly can save lives.