Six Deaths As Cases Of Blood Poisoning And Meningitis Surge By 40%

Cases of meningitis and deadly blood poisoning in Scotland are up 40 per cent, with six deaths already reported this year.

In the first three months of 2007, there were 59 cases of meningitis and septicaemia caused by the meningococcal bacteria – up from 42 in the same period the previous year and 47 in 2005, according to figures yesterday. In the whole of last year, there were just seven deaths.

Campaigners said the figures were worrying and called for greater awareness of the symptoms of the diseases, which can cause death in just a few hours.

Meningococcal disease is the collective name for meningitis and septicaemia caused by these bacteria.

Since the meningitis C vaccine was introduced in 1999-2000, cases of the disease have more than halved, from around 350 a year to 150. But other strains of meningococcal disease continue to cause deaths, especially meningitis B.

Six deaths in the first three months of this year are the highest for the period since 2001.

Dr Jim McMenamin, consultant epidemiologist at Health Protection Scotland, said:

“Because we had more flu around, meningococcal disease is also higher; if cases are higher, there will be more deaths. These deaths continue to challenge us.” Flu reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and makes people more susceptible to the bacteria.

Dr McMenamin said that new guidance on diagnosing and treating meningococcal disease is being developed for health workers in Scotland, while new information about symptoms is being prepared for the public.

He added: “These guidelines and information reflect the fact that we still get this group of 140 to 150 cases a year that still produces deaths which we need to strive to reduce.

“This is a catastrophic disease and people need to get the right treatment as quickly as possible. Those who don’t die can be left with serious disability, including deafness and behavioural problems. We need to cut the number of cases.”

Yesterday’s figures did, however, show a drop in cases of pneumococcal disease, caused by another bacterium which can also lead to septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis. There were 217 cases in the first three months of this year, compared to 285 the year before.

Vaccination against the disease in babies started last year, and it is thought this may lead to cases dropping further.

But the rise in meningococcal disease is currently worrying experts. Dr Luciana Brondi, medical information officer at the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “It is very concerning that this rise has happened.

“Most of these deaths were caused by meningitis B, for which we do not currently have a vaccine and it could be quite a while before we do. This means that people have to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis.”

Michael Pattie’s son, David, died of meningitis and septicaemia in 1999. The 13-year-old, from Dumfries, had been playing ice hockey one evening, but came home feeling unwell. By 4pm the next day, he was dead.

Mr Pattie, 49, said: “It happens so fast. One minute you have a happy and healthy teenager and the next he is gone.”

Mr Pattie now gives talks in schools to highlight the symptoms of meningitis.

He explained: “If this helps save just one life, it is worth it.”

EARLY ACTION KEY TO SURVIVAL

MENINGITIS and septicaemia can kill in just a few hours – meaning the quicker the symptoms are picked up, the better the chances of survival.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, while septicaemia is the blood-poisoning form of the disease.

Meningococcal bacteria can cause serious attacks of both illnesses, often occurring at the same time.

The Meningitis Trust says parents, health staff and anyone working with children need to be aware of the early signs of the diseases. Symptoms include:

• Fever, with cold hands and feet

• Vomiting, headache and a stiff neck

• Dislike of bright lights and feeling confused

• Feeling drowsy and being difficult to wake up

• Joint and muscle pain

• In babies, symptoms can also include refusing food, dislike of being handled, pale and blotchy skin and a blank, staring expression

• Babies may also have a high-pitched cry, stiff neck and arched back.

The Meningitis Trust says that if parents are concerned about any of these symptoms, they should get medical help.

Another symptom of septicaemia is a rash that does not fade under pressure. You can test this by putting a glass over the rash. Septicaemia can also cause rapid breathing, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

More information is available from the trust’s helpline on 0800 028 18 28.
‘Vigilance is needed to spot deadly symptoms’

PAIGE Allan was aged just 14 months when she was struck down by a rare form of meningitis.

The Kirkcaldy toddler went from running around the garden to being confined to a hospital ward in a critical condition over a matter of just a few days.

Paige’s mother, Nicola, took her to see the doctor, but she was sent home diagnosed with a suspected viral infection.

She was later rushed to hospital after suffering a convulsion and becoming lifeless.

“Her lips went purple and the tip of her nose and her hands and feet were completely cold,” Mrs Allan said. “It just happened so fast; it was hard to take everything in.”

Paige, now six, lost her hands and feet to the infection.

“We are just so grateful she is here and she pulled through,” Mrs Allan said.

“Obviously there have been devastating effects, but she has adapted so well.”

The Allan family received support from the Meningitis Trust.

Jane Blewitt, the charity’s education and training co-ordinator, said: “Effective vaccines are available to prevent some types of meningitis and septicaemia, but there is no vaccine to prevent meningococcal group B meningitis, which is the most common bacterial type in the UK.”

She said: “It is vital people are aware of the signs and symptoms and remain vigilant.”