With college students heading back to the grind this month, experts at Meningitis Awareness Week are advising that it is vital for students to be aware of the symptoms of the condition, as young people are at particular risk of contracting the disease.

The charity estimates that there have been on average 200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in Ireland, which includes the death of young adults within a matter of hours, leaving their families bereaved and broken.

According to Meningitis Research Foundation, meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, whilst septicaemia is the blood poisoning form of the disease.

Caroline Krieger, medical information officer at Meningitis Research Foundation, explains why adolescents are so vulnerable to the disease and what is being done to raise awareness for them and their families.

“Young adults are the second-most at-risk group and this is largely due to their social behaviour, as the bacteria is only spread by close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, sharing cigarettes or drinking glasses. Research has shown that approximately one in four young adults carry the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat, compared to one in 10 of the general population, contributing to their overall risk,” explains Caroline.

According to Meningitis Research Foundation, babies are at higher risk of bacterial meningitis than any other age group. They can contract the main types of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, which includes meningococcal, pneumococcal and hib.

“We most commonly see meningococcal disease in young adults, particularly meningococcal B (MenB). Since December 2016, all born on or after 1 October 2016 are routinely vaccinated against Meningococcal B at two, four and 12 months as part of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. However, no catch-up campaign was introduced for older children, which raises some concerns.”

Protection

Tragedies in recent years have highlighted just how much at risk young adults are to the disease and, according to Meningitis Research Foundation, MenW is rising rapidly and cases have been nearly doubling each year in the UK, which includes Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland has been fortunate not to have experienced a similar outbreak, although the situation is being carefully monitored.

“Only relevant to the UK, students should make sure that they have received the MenACWY Vaccine,” advises Caroline. “University freshers are particularly at risk, because they mix with so many other students from all over the country and abroad, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria.”

Symptoms

Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that can strike without warning, killing one in 10, and leaving a third of survivors with life-altering after-effects that can be as severe as deafness, brain damage and loss of limbs. It is extremely vital that young adults are aware of the symptoms, which could save their life.

“Meningitis and septicaemia can develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Early symptoms include headache, vomiting, limb pain, fever, and cold hands and feet,” states Caroline. “Meningitis can kill a healthy person within 24 hours. Early diagnosis and treatment offers the best outcome for the patient, so that’s why symptoms awareness is key. Sadly, however, the disease is so aggressive that, on average, up to one in 10 cases result in death, and one in three survivors will be left with some form of disability.”

The symptoms of meningitis are often dismissed as being flu related or as a result of a hangover, which is why it is so important that students are educated in relation to the early signs of the disease.

“Students should be alert to the symptoms and should not wait for a rash or neck stiffness to develop before seeking medical attention urgently,” says Caroline.

Breakthrough

In August of this year it was announced that scientists in Belfast have come up with a new test, which can identify potential cases of meningitis in a fraction of the current time, and could help prevent so many lives being lost to the disease, as meningitis can be exceedingly challenging to diagnose. Often it can take up to 48 hours for test results to confirm a case of meningitis.

The method was developed by Queen’s University in partnership with the Belfast Trust, and the newly developed method will also cut down on the number of patients getting treated unnecessarily.

“Meningitis can be difficult to detect, and rapid identification and treatment is vital to save lives,” clarifies Caroline. “There is an urgent need for developments in this area, and Meningitis Research Foundation looks forward to seeing how this test will work in a hospital or healthcare setting.”

More information

If you would like any more information or have any queries in relation to meningitis or Meningitis Awareness Week visit Meningitis Research Foundation’s website at www.meningitis.org.

They are also active on Facebook and Twitter, with a Freephone helpline that can be reached on either of the following numbers depending on location: 1800 41 33 44 (Republic of Ireland), and 080 8800 3344 (Northern Ireland). CL