VIRAL Meningitis Week seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of this type of the disease - but the bacterial form also continues to pose a devastating and occasionally fatal threat. A vaccine is on the way for the ‘B’ strain, but knowing what the warning signs are is still vital.

Meningitis, in whatever form, can exact a heavy toll on those whom it strikes.

The death of three-year-old Shae Brynley Button, from Cwmbran, earlier this month, is a terrible reminder of the potential consequences of the disease and of the blood poisoning that commonly follows it.

Shae died within hours of contracting meningitis and septicaemia and his heartbroken family and friends are now raising money for a meningitis charity, raising awareness.

One in 10 people who contract bacterial meningitis die, and there can be serious complications for others who survive.

While viral meningitis is generally milder, it too can cause serious and debilitating after-effects.

Great strides have been made in the treatment of meningitis in recent decades. The introduction of a vaccine for the ‘C’ strain of the bacterial disease in 1999 has prevented around 13,000 cases and more than 1,000 deaths.

A vaccine for the ‘B’ strain was licensed in January last year and the UK government is currently negotiating with developer Novartis on a price.

The health benefits will be immense, as the impact of the ‘C’ strain vaccine has proved, but bacterial meningitis, in all forms, will not disappear, so it is vital to spread awareness of symptoms.

The charity Meningitis Now, the new name for the Meningitis UK and the Meningitis Trust, stresses that bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention, and some bacteria that cause it can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Signs and symptoms in babies and toddlers can include: fever, cold hands and feet; refusing food and vomiting; fretfulness and a dislike of being handled; drowsiness, floppiness, and being unresponsive; rapid breathing; pale, blotchy skin, spots/rash.

In children, teens and adults, severe muscle pains, severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright light and convulsions and seizures can also be symptoms.

The spots and rash stage is advanced, and if these do not fade under pressure - pressing a glass to the skin to observe this – this is a medical emergency.

It should also be remembered that meningitis and septicaemia can occur together.

Most people make a full recovery from the effects of bacterial meningitis, but for some the disease can cause long lasting or permanent damage.

Hearing loss, sight problems, brain injury, and changes to behaviour are among the potential consequences. The septicaemia can also cause skin and tissue damage, organ failure, and loss of limbs if not treated early.

Though bacterial meningitis grabs the headlines, viral meningitis is more common - and although rarely life threatening, it can make people very ill.

Viral Meningitis Week, May 5 to 11, will urge people to get “vocal about viral” to raise the profile of the disease.

With viral meningitis, infection causes inflammation of membranes (meninges), around the brain and spinal cord.

Less is known about its effects on sufferers, and it is rarely possible to identify the cause.

It is not known how many people suffer from it every year, because most cases are not severe enough to need hospital treatment - but experts believe there are many thousands of cases.

It affects mainly the young and results when a virus breaches the body’s natural defences and affects the meninges. Resulting pressure on the brain can cause nerve damage, and symptoms include severe headache, dislike of bright lights, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, confusion and drowsiness, loss of consciousness and convulsions or seizures.

There is no specific treatment for most cases, with fluids, painkillers and rest the keys to recovery. While most make a full recovery, some are left with after effects or permanent disability.

Swift action should be taken if meningitis is suspected.

l For further advice, go to meningitisnow.org