CASES of the infection which leads to meningitis have risen by more than 70% in Cheshire and Merseyside, compared to last winter.
There were 16 confirmed cases of meningococcal infection from the beginning of December, 2008, to January 23 this year, in comparison with the same period 12 months before, when there were nine confirmed cases.
The infection can result in meningitis and/or septicaemia. Infection can occur at any age, though most cases are recorded in children under four years old.
Teenagers are the next most vulnerable group. Charity Meningitis UK has described the increase as “very worrying”, and is urging people to look out for symptoms.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures show 13 cases from its latest figures in the region were group B meningitis/septicaemia, for which there is not yet a vaccine.
In the previous year, six were of this strain.
The figures come as it was announced Speke-based pharmaceutical company Novartis is teaming up with The Vaccines Evaluation Unit at the HPA in Manchester, to look at a vaccine that could be available in the next three to four years.
It is hoped it will protect against the strains that cause 80% of meningococcal group B infections.
Meningitis UK executive Steve Dayman said last night: “These figures show a very definite rise. The number of cases always peak during the winter months but this is a lot higher.
“Sadly, meningitis can often be incredibly difficult to detect as the symptoms are often hard to distinguish from more minor ailments such as the common cold or flu, plus there are occasions when people show no or very few symptoms.”
Dr Catherine Quigley, the agency’s North West’s regional epidemiologist, says quick action is key to saving lives.
A very effective vaccine against meningococcal C infection has been available since 1999.
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