Doctor says ‘don’t wait’ for meningitis rash to get help | UK

A 3D illustration of meningitis pathogens (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

As the number of cases of meningitis connected to an outbreak in Kent rises to 27, a doctor has issued a warning about the signs and symptoms of the condition. Two people – 18 year old Juliette and an unnamed 21 year old University of Kent student – have died following the outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that, as of 5pm on Wednesday, 15 cases had been confirmed and a further 12 were under investigation.

There are a number of signs of meningitis, with a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is pressed onto it among the most recognised. But now one doctor has warned there are a number of other symptoms which could be early-warning indicators of the infection.

Dr Nighat Arif has more than 310,000 followers on TikTok, where she regularly shares health advice. She recently shared a video explaining when someone may be displaying signs of meningitis.

« Most people think meningitis shows up as a rash and we all run for our tumbler glass, but it often doesn’t appear as a rash at all, » she said. « Early signs can look just like flu – a high fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pains, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, then suddenly, drowsiness, confusion, a stiff neck, bright lights start hurting your eyes, and at that point it’s already serious.

« So not everyone who gets meningitis develops a rash, and we often focus on this symptom alone and ignore all the other ones, and we still need to be thinking about those signs as being the signs of meningitis. »

Describing how to identify a rash, Dr Arif explained it typically presents as small red or pin-prick-sized marks on white skin, which may progress into larger red or purple blotches. However, she cautioned it can be more difficult to detect in people with black or brown skin, where it may manifest as ash-coloured patches. She also recommended people with darker skin examine lighter parts of the body such as the palms or soles of the feet, as well as inside the eyelids and the roof of the mouth, reports the Mirror.

She urged anyone who notices a rash which doesn’t fade when a glass is pressed against it should « get urgent medical help and call 999.

« Though my many years as a doctor I’ve seen many patients who almost didn’t call for an ambulance or help because they thought it’s just a virus or they’re dealing with flu, » she said. « But meningitis can turn dangerous fast. »

She added: « Don’t wait for the rash, trust your gut instinct and get help immediately. »

@drnighatarif

Dont ignore these EARLY signs of Meningitis and how the meningitis rash can look on darker skin and what to do next. DO NOT WAIT FOR THE RASH Were told to look for a red rash with meningitis – but on Brown or Black skin, it can look completely different. It might be subtle, like dark spots that dont fade when you press a glass on them -thats when you call 999

original sound – Nighat Arif

Public health authorities in Kent have stated it cannot yet be confirmed that the outbreak has been contained. Thousands of doses have been distributed to students in the area, as well as those residing in halls at the Canterbury campus of the University of Kent. Approximately 5,000 students have also been invited for a menB vaccine.

What is meningitis?

The NHS describes meningitis as « an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord ». It says it can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. The organisation cautions that meningitis can be extremely serious if not treated promptly, leading to sepsis, which can be fatal. It can also cause lasting damage to the brain or nerves.

Meningitis is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection – bacterial meningitis is less common, but more severe, and it is this form of the disease from which the two people in Kent died. Infections can be transmitted through sneezing, coughing, or kissing, and are usually spread by people carrying the virus or bacteria in their nose or throat, who are not sick themselves.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

The NHS states that symptoms of meningitis can develop rapidly and in any order. A person with meningitis may not exhibit all these symptoms. They can include: