Pauline Latham OBE MP joins forces with The Meningitis Trust to campaign for better awareness

Pauline Latham OBE MP has joined forces with The Meningitis Trust” in order to support their campaign in heightening awareness against the symptoms of the deadly disease.

Up to 34 million adults in the UK are risking death with the mistaken belief that the main symptom of meningitis is a rash, and Mrs Latham is urging people “don’t wait for a rash!”

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 71% 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’.

The charity is also concerned to find that a further 5.3 million adults in the UK cannot name a single sign or symptom.

Pauline Latham OBE MP said:

“Meningitis is a terrible disease, and I urge everyone to be vigilant of the symptoms. 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)”

Mrs Latham is also encouraging the people of Derbyshire to sign up to the Meningitis’ campaign, to take their fight to Downing Street.
They are fighting for the automatic right for any child who has had meningitis to have timely and appropriate assessments throughout their academic life, to identify early what help they need and ensure they get it.
For more information please see:

http://www.meningitis-trust.org/about-us/campaigns/education-campaign/pe...

Sue Davie, Chief Executive of 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 smart phone apps available at www.meningitisapp.co.uk, visit www.meningitis-trust.org, or call its freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0800 028 18 28 and request information or a signs and symptoms card.