People are being informed about the distinctions between meningitis and septicaemia as the meningitis outbreak in Kent persists. At today’s (March 18) Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer stated: « Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of the two young people who have died following the outbreak of meningitis B in Kent.
« Others are seriously ill. This will be a deeply difficult time for their loved ones. Health experts are working to identify close contacts and distribute antibiotics and will begin a targeted vaccination programme in the coming days.
« One is, could people currently incubating the infection have moved elsewhere and become sick? » he said, noting that one individual with connections to Canterbury who was ill attended a London hospital, reports the Mirror. « The other issue is could there be secondary cases from affected people? And that is also possible.
« It is not clear yet how common the strain causing this outbreak has been in recent years. Without that knowledge, difficult to say. But I think the likelihood of wider spread is still low. » Prof Hunter said work was still underway on the strain’s severity.
« What UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is doing is fully in line with existing guidelines on managing clusters of invasive meningococcal disease », he said. « It is difficult to know what more could be done at present »
What are the differences between meningitis and septicaemia?
Even though the overall risk to the general public is low, meningococcal disease can progress rapidly and become very serious. It’s crucial for people to recognise the signs of meningitis and septicaemia and to know when to get medical assistance. Getting treatment early can save lives.
Meningitis can lead to septicaemia. The germs that cause meningitis, especially bacteria like meningococcus, can enter the bloodstream and trigger a serious immune reaction. This can result in organ damage or even death. These two conditions often occur at the same time, and symptoms such as fever and rashes can appear quickly.
The NHS says: « Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. Septicaemia (sometimes called blood poisoning) occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread through the body. Both conditions can progress rapidly and require urgent medical attention ».
What are the early symptoms?
Whilst symptoms can appear in any order, according to the NHS, early symptoms can feel similar to flu or other common illnesses. These may include:
- fever
- vomiting
- headache
- muscle or joint pain
- cold hands and feet
- feeling unusually tired or unwell
Symptoms can worsen quickly. It is important to keep checking on anyone who feels unwell.
Symptoms of meningitis
- severe sleepiness or difficulty waking
- fever
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- vomiting
- sensitivity to bright lights
- confusion or delirium
- seizures (fits)
Symptoms of septicaemia
- fever and shivering
- severe pain in muscles, joints or limbs
- vomiting
- very cold hands and feet
- pale, blotchy or mottled skin
- rapid breathing
- diarrhoea or stomach cramps
- a red or purple rash that does not fade when pressed
- difficulty walking or standing
- severe sleepiness or loss of consciousness
The NHS says: « Not everyone will have all symptoms, and they can appear in any order. »
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