What is Meningococcal Septicaemia?
This is blood poisoning caused by the meningococcal bacteria entering the blood stream and multiplying uncontrollably. It is important to remember that meningococcal septicaemia can develop without meningitis.

Symptoms of Meningitis Floppy child / difficulty supporting own weight Fever & vomiting Confusion & drowsiness Severe headache Stiff neck Dislike of bright light Body stiffens/jerky movements

Symptoms of Meningococcal Septicaemia Rash Fever & vomiting Confusion & drowsiness Cold hands & feet Rapid breathing Abdominal/joint/muscle pain Floppy child / difficulty supporting own weight May also suffer diarrhoea

Other symptoms in babies may include

• Tense or bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head
• Blotchy skin, pale or turning blue
• Refusing to feed
• High pitched cry /irritable especially when held.

Remember not everyone gets all of these symptoms and they can appear in any order. The majority of people with meningococcal septicaemia develop a rash of tiny red ‘pin prick’ spots, which develop rapidly into purple bruising marks. If you press a glass against the rash and it does not fade, it could be meningococcal septicaemia. If you suspect meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia then go straight to your GP or nearest Casualty Unit.

Meningitis UK – Who we are and what we do:
Meningitis UK aims to increase the understanding of meningitis through our ongoing awareness programme. We also fund a number of pioneering vaccine development research projects across the UK to find a vaccine to eradicate the disease. Since the charity’s inception in 1999, Meningitis UK has invested over £1million into preventative cutting edge research and public education.

Sadly, meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia continue to kill more children under five than any other infectious disease and there is still no vaccine to protect against the most common forms. Therefore, it is vital to raise awareness of the symptoms and the importance of early recognition so prompt treatment can be given, which can often mean the difference between life and death.

REG’s Mini-Maskathon campaign and how your Nursery or Playgroup can get involved.
The number of cases of meningitis and septicaemia start to dramatically rise during the Autumn, so in addition to raising money, this initiative will also be instrumental in raising awareness of the disease throughout this high-risk group at this prominent time, ultimately saving young lives.

The formula for this fun-filled event is simple:

• The children create facemasks using fur, tinsel, glitter, crayons, etc.
• Friends and family sponsor the children to do a Mini-Maskathon sponsored walk, march, hop, skip or jump – all whilst wearing their customised facemasks

Each group taking part will receive a free fundraising pack to help them get started, which includes mask templates, posters, sticky badges and a singalong CD. If you know a group that might like to take part, please contact our Appeals Officer, Sian Evans, quoting All4kids, on sianevans@meningitis.org or by calling 0117 373 73 73.