Meningitis
Special Thanks to Meningitis UK for supplying the information
Meningitis UK
Regsitered office: 25 Cleeve Wood Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 2SF
Registered Charity Number: 1076774
E-mail: information@meningitisuk.org
Web: www.meningitisuk.org
Tel: 0117 373 73 73
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the lining surrounding the brain. There are many different forms of Meningitis, including those caused by bacteria and viruses. It can also occur following serious head injuries.
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
- 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.
Other symptoms in babies may include
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 £2million 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.
The Big Bug Hunt - the most exciting fundraising event for 0-5 year olds...
Are you a play leader or involved with a group of children under the age of five? Are you looking for new ways to keep the little ones entertained and happy, whilst helping them to learn about themselves and the world around them? Then the Big Bug Hunt is the event for you.
Designed to appeal to pre-school children's love of bugs - and anything bug related - our Cheeky Bug, like the Meningitis bug, needs to be found. And the best way of finding him is via the Big Bug Hunt.
The Big Bug Hunt is really easy to organise and has been designed specifically to fit around the needs of play groups and the abilities and interests of pre-school children with activities such as a sponsored bug hunt or obstacle course, fancy dress, bug stories and a colouring competition. Not only will it be really fun, but there are also endless opportunities for learning, whether the children are counting bug's legs, painting and colouring or searching and exploring. Or you could use it as the focal point of a health or bug-related activity week.
To give you a head start on Cheeky Bug, we've put together a free Resource Pack including Big Bug stickers for every child, a Cheeky Bug Story sheet, tips on running your event, sponsorship forms, symptoms cards for parents, grid games, downloadable images and templates plus much more. Cheeky Bug will also be available to visit lucky groups across the country.
You can hold your event at anytime throughout September and October 2008 and by taking part, you will be helping to protect children from meningitis - a disease which particularly affects children under the age of five.
We’d like to see as many people join in as possible so if you are part of a nursery or pre-school group, or a parent, grandparent or child minder, why not get your little ones involved.
To register or find out more go to our dedicated site www.bigbughunt.org or give us a call on 0117 373 73 73, quoting All4kids.
