Meningitis outbreak: warning as symptoms 'look very similar' to these 7 common illnesses
People are being urged to be aware of the signs of meningitis 🚨
- People are being urged to remain vigilant after a meningitis outbreak in Kent.
- Two people have died, and two more cases have been reported, bringing the total number to 15.
- Students at the University of Kent will be offered the meningitis vaccine.
Health officials are urging people to be aware of the signs of meningitis after an outbreak in Kent left two people dead, with at least 11 others seriously ill in hospital.
More than 30,000 people in the Canterbury area are being contacted by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) about the outbreak. Some of those affected had visited the nightclub, Club Chemistry in Canterbury, between March 5 and 7, before becoming unwell.
Students at the University of Kent who live in Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence will now be offered the meningitis vaccine as part of a targeted programme. It comes after hundreds of students queued for precautionary antibiotics.
Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can cause serious or deadly complications. The UKHSA have identified the strain involved in the latest outbreak is meningitis B, which is a rare strain that is more serious than viral meningitis.
Early symptoms include fever, headaches, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion and neck stiffness. However, many of these symptoms overlap with more common illnesses such as the flu or a hangover, meaning meningitis may initially be mistaken for a less serious illness.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has outlined several illnesses that can sometimes show meningitis symptoms and explains why it is important not to ignore warning signs.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
The symptoms of meningitis can come on suddenly. If you suspect you have meningitis, do not wait for every symptom to appear or for a rash to develop; it’s important you seek medical care urgently.
The signs of meningitis, according to the NHS, can include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
If you think someone you know may have symptoms or has been exposed to meningitis, it’s vital to seek medical treatment immediately by calling 999 for an ambulance or attending your nearest A&E department.
What illnesses can be mistaken for meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious illness. If you suspect you have the symptoms, seek medical care immediately. While other more common illnesses can sometimes be mistaken for meningitis, it’s important that a medical professional rules it out, even if your symptoms could actually be caused by something else.
Dr Grant said: “Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that requires urgent medical treatment. One of the challenges with the condition is that its early symptoms can look very similar to several common illnesses, particularly in the early stages of infection. This can make it difficult for people to immediately recognise the severity of what they are experiencing. Let’s take a look at some conditions that may initially appear similar to meningitis.”
Flu
The flu is one of the most common illnesses that has symptoms similar to meningitis. Early on, both illnesses can cause fever, headaches, fatigue, nausea and muscle aches. However, meningitis symptoms typically worsen rapidly and may involve warning signs such as neck stiffness, confusion or sensitivity to light.
Severe migraine
Severe migraines can also be similar to the symptoms of meningitis due to the intense headaches, nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity they cause. Many migraine sufferers may initially assume they are experiencing a migraine episode. However, if symptoms occur alongside fever, confusion or neck stiffness, medical attention should be sought urgently.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis may also cause symptoms that overlap with meningitis, particularly nausea, vomiting, fever and general fatigue. While stomach bugs usually involve diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort, early meningitis symptoms may be mistaken for a digestive illness before neurological symptoms develop.
Covid or viral respiratory infections
Viral illnesses such as Covid or other respiratory infections can cause headaches, fever, fatigue and body aches, which can make early meningitis symptoms less obvious. While most viral infections resolve on their own, meningitis symptoms often escalate quickly and require urgent medical care.
Severe Sinus Infection
Sinus infections can cause severe headaches, facial pressure, fever and fatigue, which may resemble the early stages of meningitis. However, meningitis is more likely to include neurological symptoms such as neck stiffness, sensitivity to light and confusion.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain, can present with symptoms similar to meningitis, including fever, headaches, confusion and sensitivity to light. Because both conditions affect the brain and nervous system, distinguishing between them typically requires medical tests.
Hangover or ‘Fresher’s Flu’
Meningitis symptoms in young adults are sometimes mistaken for hangovers or what is often referred to as ‘fresher’s flu’, particularly in university settings where fatigue, headaches and nausea may seem routine. However, meningitis can progress extremely quickly, so persistent symptoms or sudden deterioration should never be ignored.
Dr Grant said: “Overall, while many common illnesses may initially resemble meningitis, the condition tends to progress quickly and may involve warning signs such as a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, sensitivity to light or a rash that does not fade when pressed.
“If meningitis is suspected at any point, it is crucial to seek urgent medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes and can be lifesaving.”
If you suspect you have meningitis, seek medical attention immediately. You can find out more information on the signs and symptoms at NHS.UK.