Meningitis awareness plea from sister of young man who died in Cornwall
A survey has revealed only 5% of parents would know all the symptoms
Last updated 5th Oct 2022
A woman whose brother died from meningitis after falling ill at Cornwall's Boardmasters is urging people to know the signs.
A survey, carried out to mark World Meningitis Day, has found only one in 20 parents knows what all the symptoms are.
The disease is most common among children and young adults and can kill within 24 hours of infection but a YouGov poll of 1,300 parents, carried out on behalf of the Meningitis Research Foundation, has found many would not necessarily be able to spot it.
For both meningitis and septicaemia, the most well-known symptom is a rash, but they can also cause severe headaches, shivering, sensitivity to light and stiffness among other things.
'We want more lives to be saved'
Head of Evidence and Policy at the Meningitis Research Foundation, Claire Wright, said: "Every day we support people who are coping with the life-changing impact of meningitis and septicaemia, from deafness to limb loss, to epilepsy or long-term memory issues.
"Yet the bacteria that trigger these illnesses can be defeated in our lifetime through better vaccine development, availability and uptake, improved diagnostic tests and through knowing when to get medical help.
"It's also important to remember meningitis and septicaemia are more than just a rash, which doesn't always appear.
"This poll tells us that not enough parents are aware of some of the other signs to look out for.
"We want to change that, so more lives can be saved".
The survey found more than three quarters of parents know meningitis is life threatening and is caused by bacteria infecting the lining surrounding the brain and spine.
Yet less than a third recognised shivering and cold hands and feet as a symptom, as well as breathing fast or feeling breathless.
It also noted a discrepancy between mothers and fathers when it came to recognising the symptoms, with 69% of mums recognising at least half of them, compared to only 33% of dads.
15% percent of dads knew no symptoms at all, while for mums that was just 4%
George's Story
In 2017, George Zographou from Bristol died from meningitis after falling ill at Boardmasters Festival in Cornwall.
George, known to his friends as Zoggy, sought help at the medical tent but his family claims he was misdiagnosed.
The 18-year-old was rushed to the Royal Cornwall Hospital after his condition deteriorated. He was diagnosed with meningitis and later died.
His sister Nicole told us she is surprised by the survey results - bearing in mind it is such a serious illness.
"I didn't know the signs and symptoms before my brother died, so I have to bear that in mind sometimes, but the reason it's so important to know the signs and symptoms is because like most things, the sooner you act the better the outcomes will be for people.
"So it can save somebody's life and it can also reduce the impact that disease has on them and their recovery".
"Very passionate about empowering parents"
Nicole now works in the health sector and says since George's death, she has dedicated her life to public health.
"For me I feel very passionate about empowering parents and other people to understand the signs of meningitis because I personally know the devastating outcome that can have.
"I feel quite concerned when I hear parents don't have that knowledge".
You can find more information on the Meningitis Research Foundation's symptoms checker.