Meningitis B latest: New cases recorded in Dorset as antibiotics offered to young people in area

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis present differently in babies and adults.

According to the NHS, the skin of babies or young children with meningitis may be pale, splotchy and have a red rash that does not turn white when pressed against glass. This appears as small “pins and needles” on the skin and can turn into purple bruises.

A tense, bulging spot known as a fontanel may appear on their forehead.

They may also be disturbed by bright lights; vomiting or refusing to eat; experiencing a high fever with cold hands and feet; and becomes drowsy and unresponsive; and I refuse to be offended.

Their breathing may become rapid and wheezing, and their screams may have an unusually high-pitched or whiny tone. Stiff neck and seizures are also symptoms.

A rash may also occur in adults; experiencing fever with cold hands and feet; vomiting; numbness; as well as confusion and irritability.

Severe muscle pain is also a sign, as are severe headaches, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and seizures.

Symptoms of viral meningitis are comparable to the flu and include fever along with headache and cold hands and feet. When viral meningitis becomes serious, neck stiffness, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and sensitivity to light are experienced.

However, the NHS emphasizes that those who are concerned about their own or another person’s symptoms should not wait for a rash to develop but seek medical advice immediately.

It is possible that further cases of meningitis B have been identified in Weymouth.

UKHSA deputy director Dr Beth Smout said the outbreak was “possible that we may see further cases linked to these latest cases in Weymouth, although not on the same scale as what we have seen in Kent”.

Dr Smout said the decision to offer antibiotics and the menB vaccine to secondary school pupils in a range of areas was an “additional precaution” and that the UKHSA was “following national guidance to reduce the risk of the spread of infection”.

“School students and staff should attend school as normal if they are well,” he added.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said the three affected students received treatment and “recovered”, adding that close contacts were offered antibiotics as a precaution.

Two of the teenagers attended Budmouth Academy, a large secondary school in Weymouth, while the other went to Wey Valley Academy, a separate secondary school.

Antibiotics and vaccines are now available to school-aged young people aged 7 to 13 in the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas of Dorset.

The United Kingdom Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that three cases of meningitis B have been recorded in young people in Weymouth, Dorset.