Dr Hilary Jones listed a lesser-known sign of meningitis that can affect the hands and feet (Image: Getty)
A TV doctor has shared a lesser-known symptom of meningitis that could appear in the hands and feet. Doctor Hilary Jones urged people to “always be vigilant” for the signs of infection.
His warning comes following an outbreak of the potentially fatal disease in Kent. The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that as March 20, 23 laboratory cases of meningitis have been confirmed and 11 cases remain under investigation.
During the outbreak, two people- a sixth form student and a university student, are known to have died. One case was also detected in a person in London, who was confirmed to be directly linked to the Kent outbreak.
In an update shared via X, Dr Jones, who is best known for his appearances on ITV, shared some advice on how to stay safe. He said: “The current outbreak of bacterial meningitis in Kent and London is unusual because although sporadic cases do occasionally occur, this cluster of cases is surprisingly large and suggests that this particular strain of meningococcal type B, bacteria is more transmissible than others for reasons that aren’t yet clear.
“Since the illness can be lethal if not treated early enough, this is obviously a worry.”
What you need to know
Dr Hilary then listed what you “need to know”. He said: “So what do you need to know? You need to always be vigilant and aware of the signs and symptoms of any kind of meningitis that could save a life.
“Vaccines don’t protect against all types of meningitis and don’t offer lifelong protection in some cases. They don’t work as well in older age groups, and they need two doses spaced apart.
“They also take time to provide immunity. Special antibiotics given to close contacts of victims offer great protection and do help to stop transmission.
“Meanwhile, be aware of the early signs.”
Symptoms
Dr Hilary shared some of the key signs to look out for. This included cold hands and feet.
He said: “They are fever, cold hands and feet, vomiting, flu-like symptoms with aching muscles and joints, faster breathing, mottled or blotchy skin, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, a dislike of bright lights, and confusion.”
Regarding a meningitis rash, he said: “If a purple-red rash appears on the skin and doesn’t blanch when pressed with a glass tumbler, it’s a sign of sepsis, and it means there’s an urgent need to get treatment immediately.”
He also explained how to differentiate between meningitis symptoms and signs of other illnesses. “There are lots of minor illnesses that can start with similar symptoms,” Dr Hilary continued.
“But the difference is that bacterial meningitis symptoms rapidly deteriorate and literally here minutes count. So your symptoms may be nothing, but never assume that – trust your instincts.
“If you or someone you care for is affected, don’t hesitate to ask for urgent advice. Mass vaccination isn’t the answer to this outbreak, but targeted vaccines for at-risk groups will certainly help.
“Antibiotics and research into why this outbreak is so different will do the rest. Stay well.”
Read more: ‘I survived the meningitis outbreak – one horror effect terrified my family’
Read more: Major meningitis outbreak update as experts ‘preparing for disease to spread’
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Although it can affect anyone, it’s most prevalent among babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Without swift treatment, meningitis can prove extremely serious. It can trigger life-threatening sepsis and lead to permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:
The NHS explains: “Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.”
When to get medical help
You should call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E “immediately” if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. The NHS says: “Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
“Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
