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- Quick striking deadly disease on the rise prompting urgent health warning and vaccination push (irishstar.com)
Urgent Warning: Meningitis Cases on the Rise, Especially for Students
National health officials are sounding the alarm over a concerning increase in meningococcal meningitis and septicemia cases, particularly affecting children and young adults, with a strong emphasis on university students. These serious, though uncommon, illnesses can progress rapidly, leading to severe, life-altering complications or even death.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently released updated figures revealing 378 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in 2024-25. While overall IMD cases remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, there’s a notable resurgence, with Meningitis B accounting for a staggering 82.6% (313 out of 378) of all cases.
Vaccination rates for both infants and adolescents have seen a decline, leaving more individuals vulnerable to these preventable diseases. The MenB vaccine coverage for 12-month-olds has dipped to 91.4%, a slight but concerning drop. Similarly, while MenACWY vaccine coverage for 9th graders saw an increase to 72.1% in the 2023/24 school year, it still falls significantly short of the 88.0% observed before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2018/2019.
Officials are urging parents to ensure their infants and toddlers receive the crucial MenB vaccine. This vaccine is part of the standard NHS immunization schedule, given at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year of age. Parents of children who have missed these doses are encouraged to contact their GP surgery to schedule catch-up appointments.
For teenagers, the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four strains of the disease, is typically offered in 9th grade (ages 13-14). However, anyone under 25 who has not received this vaccine is strongly advised to get it as soon as possible, especially if they are planning to attend university or other higher education institutions. The close living quarters and social interactions common in university settings make students particularly susceptible to IMD.
Dr. Helen Campbell, lead scientist at UKHSA, stressed the continued threat of MenB and the importance of infant vaccinations.
She also highlighted the critical need for teenagers to receive their MenACWY jab when offered at school. “All teenagers remain eligible for the MenACWY jab until their 25th birthday,” Dr.
Campbell stated, emphasizing that for students, knowing the key symptoms and seeking immediate medical help for any suddenly ill friends is vital.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton echoed these sentiments, calling the latest figures a “stark reminder” of the threat meningitis poses. “A simple vaccination could save a life or prevent life-changing complications,” Dalton remarked.
Dr. Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, also emphasized the importance of vaccination. “Too many children and young people are still not fully vaccinated against meningitis,” she said, urging parents to take advantage of the free NHS immunization program.
While vaccines offer significant protection, the UKHSA cautions that they do not cover all types of meningococcal disease. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to recognize the symptoms of meningitis and septicemia and to seek immediate medical attention if concerned. Early detection and treatment are critical for saving lives.
Key Symptoms of Meningitis and Septicemia:
These symptoms can appear in any order:
- High temperature
- Cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Rapid breathing
- Muscle and joint pain
- Pale, mottled, or blotchy skin (may be harder to see on darker skin tones)
- Spots or a rash (may be harder to see on darker skin tones)
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking
- Fits (seizures)