Family tragedies bring home harsh message that meningitis can strike at anyone

Published on Monday 5 January 2009 19:21

The "Meningitis: It Can Happen to Anyone" campaign sends out the message that the illness can hit people of any age, race or gender, and is not just confined to children.

From this week, cards detailing the symptoms of meningitis will be available in pharmacies and GP surgeries across Scotland to make people aware of the signs of the disease. Radio advertisements featuring real-life stories will also be broadcast to drive home the message.

Hyacinth Brown, from Edinburgh, died of meningitis last year at the age of 54. Her family have been left devastated by her death, but they are determined to raise awareness about the illness to help prevent something similar happening to others.

Her daughter Petal, who features in one of the radio adverts, said: "It is important that people realise that meningitis can happen to anyone, regardless of their age.

"My mum was the picture of health before she died, never drinking or smoking and always trying to stay healthy.

"Her death took us completely by surprise. My dad, brother and I are committed to raising awareness about this disease, and it is vital that people know how to quickly identify the symptoms."

Signs that may indicate meningitis include fever, vomiting, headaches and a feeling of being unwell.

Sufferers may also experience a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights and a rash – anywhere on the body.

More serious indicators include extreme drowsiness and, in some cases, seizures.

These signs will be detailed on the credit-card sized symptoms cards now available across the country.

Kat Hasler, the screening and immunisation co-ordinator at NHS Health Scotland said: "This year's campaign focuses on the people who have been affected by meningitis and tells their stories.

"Families from every walk of life have been affected by this disease. Sadly, many people think they have the flu and for some, by the time they realise that it is more serious, it is too late."

Shona Robison, the Scottish public health minister, said: "Meningitis is a rare but very serious illness, the consequences of which can include permanent disability or death.

"Meningitis can also develop very quickly and this is why it is so important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms quickly, and to know where to go to for help."

The campaign has been developed in partnership between NHS Health Scotland, Health Protection Scotland, the Scottish Government, NHS community pharmacies and NHS 24, along with three leading charities, Meningitis Association Scotland, Meningitis Research Foundation and the Meningitis Trust.

According to the Meningitis Trust, as many as 500,000 people living in the UK have suffered from the disease, which causes an inflammation of the protective membranes – or meninges – that cover the brain and the spinal cord.

Around 6,000 cases of viral meningitis are contracted in the UK each year. This variant is usually non-fatal and can be treated effectively in the same way as viral illness. The more serious strain – bacterial meningitis – affects around 3,000 people a year and kills around one in ten sufferers.

It is treated using intravenous antibiotics and of those that survive, one in seven are likely to suffer after-effects such as deafness or brain damage.

Three-quarters of all bacterial meningitis cases are caused by the meningococcal, pneumococcal and haemophilus influenzae bacteria.