The Meningitis Trust (www.meningitis-trust.ie) is a leading charity working throughout Ireland providing professional support to those affected by meningitis, and educating the public and health care professionals about the disease.

Specifically the Meningitis Trust provides support through the following services:

• 24-hour helpline staffed by nurses offering information, literature and support in over 100 languages through Language Line 1800 523 196
• Home visits
• Professional counselling
• One-to-one contacts enabling those affected by meningitis to share their experience

Common Symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia:

Common Symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia include: fever with cold hands and feet, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion and, in babies, high pitched cry and a bulging fontanelle or soft spot on the top of the head. Symptoms can appear in any order and may not all appear at once. Both adults and children may have a rash (septicaemia) that doesn’t disappear under pressure. Do not wait for the rash, as it may not always appear, if you suspect meningitis seek medical help immediately.

For more information please contact Carole Nealon on 01 2762050 or at carolen@meningitis-trust.ie.