Urgent meningitis warning as cases soar post Covid with 6 early signs to know

10 February 2023 , 11:07

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Meningitis cases have risen since pandemic restrictions were lifted (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

Cases of meningitis are soaring since last year in the wake of lockdown rules being lifted, health experts have warned.

The infection rose four-fold at its highest, which doctors fear was down to people mixing again.

According to charity Meningitis Now, hospital cases rose to 205 last year - up from 80 in 2021.

Pre-pandemic, hospital cases were at about 4-500 each year.

Last month, guitarist and Yardbirds musician Jeff Beck died after developing meningitis.

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The 78-year-old died at a hospital in East Sussex after developing the illness.

The disease is an infection of the membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord caused by viruses.

Jeff Beck died aged 78 after contracting meningitis (Getty Images)

However, while the bugs which cause it are contagious, catching one won't necessarily develop into meningitis.

Most people who catch meningitis recover within 10 days, but in some rare cases it can be deadly. Here are six of the key warning signs.

Fever and/or headaches

Body temperatures rising to 37.8C or above class as a fever and you should always seek medical help.

A fever on its own does not mean a person has meningitis, however, so it's important to be aware of the other symptoms.

Along with a fever and sickness, a headache is another one of the very first signs of meningitis.

Vomiting

Anyone who is vomiting or unable to keep down their food could be unwell and should get medical help if this is occurring alongside other symptoms.

A rash

Meningitis can often, but not always, lead to rashes on the skin.

While a rash alone doesn't indicate meningitis, one way to distinguish is by rolling a glass over it to see if it fades.

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If the rash is still the same colour when pressed against glass, you should seek urgent medical help.

A rash which doesn't fade when pressed with a glass could be a warning sign of meningitis (Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley)

Muscle aches and pains and/or a stiff neck

Muscle spasms, stiffness in the neck or general aches and pains are common signs of meningitis, both during the illness and in the months afterwards.

Sensitivity to light

Aversion to bright lights can also be an early warning sign. Especially when paired with drowsiness if a person is difficult to wake or is having trouble staying awake.

Seizures

If a person is also having fits or seizures along with other symptoms urgent medical help should be sought by calling 999.

All these symptoms can appear in any order, according to the NHS, and not all of them may be present in meningitis cases.

Susie Beever