Up to 34 million adults in the UK are risking death through the mistaken belief that the main symptom of meningitis is a rash. As the country finds itself in the peak season for the devastating disease, national charity, the Meningitis Trust is campaigning to stop this deadly misconception.

The Meningitis Trust is worried to find 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’.

Knowing and recognising the other signs and symptoms of meningitis and getting medical help quickly are vital in reducing the devastating impact meningitis can have. Symptoms can appear quickly and rapid deterioration is a sign of a medical emergency.

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

Meningitis can start with ‘flu like’ symptoms. Those to look out for are a 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 also include being floppy and unresponsive, dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, a moaning cry and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head).

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 free signs and symptoms card.

ENDS

*Research was carried out by fast.MAP in May 2010. The sample of 1,309 people was selected from fast.MAP’s Consumer Voice panel to be representative of the UK population (Adults 18+)

For further information please contact:

Emily Smith, Communications Officer at the Meningitis Trust, on 01453 769029 or email emilys@meningitis-trust.org

Andrew Hopkinson, Senior PR Officer at the Meningitis Trust, on 01453 768006 or email andrewh@meningitis-trust.org

About meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It can strike quickly and kill within hours - its impact can last a lifetime. Each year in the UK there are about 2,500 cases of bacterial meningitis and an estimated 5,000 cases of viral. Up to 500,000 people in the UK have had meningitis. Those most at risk are children under five, young people (15 to 24) and adults over 55.

For more information about meningits visit our symptoms pages.