Urgent warning as cases of deadly meningitis soar – the 6 signs you must know

MENINGITIS cases more than doubled last year after lockdown rules were lifted.

Experts fear the deadly infection, which killed rocker Jeff Beck, 78, last month, is surging now that people are mixing again.

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Meningitis Now said confirmed hospital cases were up to 205 last year compared to 80 the year before. 

Before the pandemic there were 400 to 500 per year, and the charity estimates there are thousands more infections that never get diagnosed.

CEO Dr Tom Nutt said: “We all need to remain aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis so that people know to act quickly and to seek urgent medical help to save lives.

“We’re hearing about more cases of student-age and middle-aged adults dying from meningitis.”

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Meningitis is a brain infection that can be triggered by contagious bacteria or viruses.

Serious cases are rare but it can be fatal for people of any age.

Even survivors can suffer serious consequences and even lose limbs to the disease.

Infections are most common in babies, teenagers, students and elderly people.

Top symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Rash that does not fade when a drinking glass is rolled across it
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Severe muscle aches and pains

It can also cause confusion, seizures and drowsiness.

Meningitis Now said the worst-hit age group between June 2021 and June 2022 was 15 to 24-year-olds.

A spokesperson added: “Our concern is that the figures are bouncing up quickly, and there have been many more cases in the past six months.”