Public urged to get vaccinated amid 'surge' in meningitis cases in England

People have been advised to make sure they are fully vaccinated against meningitis amid concerns over a “recent surge” of cases in England.

The charity Meningitis Now also called on members of the public to educate themselves on the signs and symptoms of the illness, and to act "swiftly” if meningitis is suspected.

Meningitis is an infection in the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.

Symptoms include headaches, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, fever and a sensitivity to light.

Dr Tom Nutt, from Meningitis Now, said: "We want to stress the importance of vigilance and vaccination.

"We urge everyone, particularly those in unvaccinated age groups, to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and to act swiftly if they suspect meningitis."

The warning comes after UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures published last month showed a rise in invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases in England.

IMD is a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemia, with symptoms sometimes worsening rapidly.

According to the UKHSA, there were 396 lab-confirmed cases of IMD in 2022/23 compared with 205 cases in 2021/22.

Based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) death registrations, there were 33 deaths out of the 396 cases.

It comes after IMD cases fell by 83% in 2020/21 due to Covid pandemic restrictions.

“While the decrease in cases during the pandemic provided some respite, this recent surge is a clear reminder that meningitis remains a critical health threat," Dr Nutt said.

Julia Evans, 53, from Aberbargoed in South Wales, was diagnosed with viral meningitis just before Christmas 2019.

She was concerned when she started to see flashes of light while driving to work.

“I thought it was an aura and I was having a migraine,” Ms Evans said.

“At work I took some paracetamol, but my headache was getting worse and every time I tried to stand up it felt like there was an elephant on my head.”

After losing her vision, colleagues called 111, who sent paramedics. By then, Ms Evans’ fever was 41.9C.

“They put me on a drip immediately and sent for an ambulance. By the time it turned up all my senses were being affected,” she added.

“The consultant came to see me and within five minutes he told me he thought I had meningitis.

“And I remember thinking, no, I can’t be – I thought meningitis was something that only happens to younger people.”

As a result of the infection, Ms Evans has problems with her eyesight and hearing, and relies on a walking stick or wheelchair.

She suffers from weakness down the right side of her body, pain, headaches and insomnia.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said cases of meningococcal meningitis tend to increase as the university term starts in September.

He said: “New and returning students from around the country and overseas coming together and mixing means infection spreads easily, with some students becoming seriously ill and tragically in some cases, we see deaths."

“I urge young people starting or returning to university to check they’re up to date on their MenACWY, HPV and MMR jabs and to contact their GP if unsure.”

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