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Campaign promotes meningitis `tumbler test'

The 30-seconds advert, presented by Dr Hilary Jones, shows parents how to use a simple "tumbler test" which could save many children's lives.

The campaign advises people to seek immediate medical help if a rash on the patient's skin does not fade when pressed with a glass tumbler.

As the rash suggests that the disease is quite well advanced, other symptoms of the disease - fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, dislike of light and a stiff neck - should also be monitored.

Denise Vaughan, the Director of the Meningitis Research Foundation, which is running the campaign, said: "It's strange to think that such a simple item as a glass tumbler could save someone's life."

At least 15 families have identified the disease in this way, the foundation said.

Meningitis is a seasonal disease with most cases occurring between November and March.

Anyone can catch it, but it is most likely to affect children under four and teenagers aged 18 and 19 living away from home in halls of residence.

Recent high profile cases were among students at Southampton and Leicester universities where several students died and a big vaccination programme had to be set up. However, most cases are isolated.

Many adults carry the disease, but it only rarely gives rise to illness. When it does it can cause meningitis - an inflammation of the lining of the brain - and septicaemia or blood poisoning.

The main bacterial form is meningococcal meningitis, which has three strains. Vaccines exist against types A and C but not yet against B which is the most dangerous.

In viral meningitis the symptoms are milder and may resemble influenza.

Internet Links

The UK Meningitis Research Foundation
Meningitis - Know the symptoms
Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre - Meningococcal Fact Sheet

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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