With two Suffolk teenagers testing positive for Meningitis B, searches for symptoms to watch out for have skyrocketed.
Nearly 50 teens across the region who were in contact with the pair have been offered emergency antibiotics as a precaution, as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) launches an investigation.
The UKHSA has confirmed that the two teens with meningitis are both from Framlingham and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Meningitis B is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and can rapidly lead to blood poisoning.
Early symptoms include vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches, making it tough to spot as it can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu.
But someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in just a matter of hours, which is why it’s important to check on someone with these symptoms regularly to monitor the situation.
Meningitis B is a different strain from Meningitis A, which is more common across Africa. This is why it is important to understand the difference in the symptoms before calling a healthcare professional.
Early recognition of meningitis symptoms can greatly improve the outcome of the disease, and so anyone concerned about any of these symptoms, at any time, should contact their GP, call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.
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