Charity urges Ireland ‘don’t wait for a rash’

Up to 2.6 million adults in Ireland are risking death with the mistaken belief that the main symptom of meningitis is a rash. As the country finds itself in the peak season for the devastating disease, national charity, the Meningitis Trust is campaigning to stop this deadly misconception.

The rash that does not fade under pressure, (a sign of blood poisoning) does not always appear with meningitis. When it does it can be one of the last symptoms to be displayed, often too late.

The Meningitis Trust is worried to hear that 57% of people immediately think of a rash when identifying meningitis – that is why it is hammering home the message ‘Don’t Wait for a Rash’.

Carole Nealon, General Manager of the Meningitis Trust says; “Knowing and recognising the other signs and symptoms of meningitis and getting medical help quickly is vital to reduce the devastating impact meningitis can have. Symptoms can appear quickly and rapid deterioration is a sign of a medical emergency. Instincts are key for survival; parents and health professionals must trust these”.

Meningitis can start with ‘flu like’ symptoms. Those to look out for are; fever, headache, vomiting and muscle pain. Other symptoms can include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and seizures.

In babies, symptoms can include being floppy and unresponsive, dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, moaning cry and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head).

The charity is also concerned to find that a further 7% of the adult population in Ireland cannot name a single sign or symptom.

Lisa Slattery, Community Nurse at the Trust, says; “By thinking meningitis is just a rash, people are risking their lives. You often don’t get a second chance with meningitis, so identifying it correctly is vital”.

To combat the deadly myth, the charity is urging everyone to be aware of all the symptoms. Information is provided free by the Meningitis Trust. You can download one of its free symptom cards available at www.meningitis-trust.ie or call its freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196 and request information or a signs and symptoms card.
 

•          Research was carried out by Millward Brown IMS in March/April 2009. Questions were included on the Millward Brown IMS Omnibus Survey and the  sample was selected from

•          Sample size 1,000 adults aged 15+ years

•          Nationally representative in terms of gender, age, social class and region

•          64 sampling points countrywide

•          All interviews conducted face-to-face in respondents’ homes
 
For further information please contact:
 
Carole Nealon, General Manager at the Meningitis Trust, directly on 01 276 2050, or email carolen@meningitis-trust.ie .
 
Or visit the website at www.meningitis-trust.ie

 
About the Meningitis Trust
 
The Meningitis Trust is a national charity that provides the largest range of professional services and community based support for people affected by meningitis in Ireland.  The Trust raises awareness of meningitis and septicaemia through specialist knowledge, education and training and giving practical support for life to people coping with the after-effects.
 
Specifically, the Meningitis Trust provides support through the following services:
- A 24-hour nurse-led helpline offering information and support 1800 523 196
- Home visits
- Professional counselling & bereavement support.
- Family Days
- Play Therapy
 
The Meningitis Trust receives no statutory government funding, and depends on the generous support of organisations and the public to fund its extensive support services, awareness campaigns and research.
 
About meningitis
 
Meningitis is a life-threatening infection, which affects the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis and its associated disease, septicaemia (blood poisoning), can kill within hours and can affect anyone at any time. Those most at risk are children under the age of five; teenagers and young adults; and people over 55.
Approximately 250 cases are reported every year in Ireland, but meningitis experts estimate that this is half of the true picture. There is still no vaccine available to protect against the meningococcal group B, the most common bacterial cause of the disease in Ireland.
It is vital that people know how to detect the signs and symptoms as medical help should be sought immediately. Common signs and symptoms include fever (cold hands and feet), joint or muscle pain, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, confusion, and also, in babies, dislike of being handled, pale blotchy skin, high-pitched cry, and a blank staring expression. Both adults and children may have a rash (septicaemia) that doesn’t disappear under pressure. 
 
Symptoms may appear in any order and some may not appear at all.