Meningococcal (bacterial) infection is rare and does NOT spread easily from person to person. The germ that causes meningococcal disease is passed from person to person in droplets from the mouth and nose. However, the germ is very fragile, and dies rapidly outside the body. This means that very close contact is necessary before there is a risk of becoming infected.

As always, it’s crucial that we all stay alert to signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and seek urgent medical help if concerned.

Symptoms can include:

  • a high temperature
  • vomiting
  • severe headache
  • a stiff neck,
  • aching limbs and joints
  • a dislike of bright lights
  • drowsiness a purple rash which does not fade when pressed in small babies,
  • a refusal to feed and a high pitched cry.

Further advice and information about meningitis is available at www.nhs.uk (link is external) or NHS 111. Or from the Meningitis Research Foundation (link is external) and Meningitis Now (link is external)