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Meningococcal disease, and the MCC vaccination campaign
this vaccine will
only prevent 1/3 of all cases of meningococcal disease.
You must remain alert for the disease, as
most cases are due to the group B strain of the disease, which CANNOT BE PREVENTED by
vaccination.
Revised:
September 13, 2004.
Meningococcal disease can take the form of meningitis, or of blood
poisoning (septicaemia).
If you are concerned about a possible case…
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 | If you suspect that you, or somebody you know, might have meningococcal disease
(meningitis or septicaemia)… |
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| Contact your GP immediately.
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| Describe the symptoms carefully, mention that you think it might be meningitis or
meningococcal septicaemia. |
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| If your doctor is not available go straight to the nearest Accident and Emergency
Department and insist on seeing someone. |
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| If it is meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia, early treatment with antibiotics is
vital. |
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Do not wait for a rash.
It may be the last symptom to appear, and in cases of meningitis
without septicaemia may not appear at all.
Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia need URGENT medical attention.
You may wish to visit the following web sites, which all describe the
features of meningococcal disease:
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Meningitis research foundation. I have found
the MRF to be extremely helpful in outbreaks, and for people who feel that they or their
friends or family might be at risk of meningococcal disease. They run an excellent
24-hour, nurse-run, freephone (within the UK) help-line - 0808 800 3344 (note that this
number was changed in late 1998). |
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National Meningitis Trust also
have a web site and email address. Their 24-hour, nurse-run help-line is (as from October
1998): 0845 6000 800. |
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Peter English, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control
Surrey Health Protection Unit
Revised: September 13, 2004.
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