Altnagelvin Hospital is running a campaign highlighting the fact that babies run a higher risk of meningitis and septicaemia than any other age group.
The awareness strategy is being run in partnership with the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) which has teamed up with the Western Trust to distribute potentially life-saving literature to new parents.
Northern Ireland Manager for Meningitis Re
search Foundation, Diane McConnell, said: “Bacterial meningitis and septicaemia can be caused by a range of bacteria, with meningococcal being responsible for the majority of cases in the UK. Newborn babies are also susceptible to specific forms of neonatal meningitis, such as Group B Streptococcal (GBS), listeria and E-coli.”
She continued: “Meningitis in the first months of life is associated with significant mortality and long-term disability. Babies under one have a 38 times higher risk than any other age of contracting a bacterial meningitis infection. Sadly, one in 10 of these babies die and one in four are left with serious after-effects. “
This year MRF is launching a new UK-wide project to examine the burden of neo-natal meningitis, how it is managed, and look at ways to improve diagnosis and treatment through development of ‘Best Practice’ standards of clinical care.
Western Trust Paediatric Consultant Dr Mary Ledwidge said: “The early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be easily mistaken for flu symptoms. People who feel unwell with fever, headache and flu-like symptoms are most likely to have flu, but it is important to know the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia in case the illness gets worse.
“Meningitis Research Foundation’s leaflets can help inform parents about the symptoms of meningitis which is essential for early detection.”
Visit the charity’s website www.meningitis.org or call the Freefone 24 hour helpline 080 8800 3344, to request symptoms information leaflets or to find out more about the current research programme.
