A CHARITY has warned of a big increase in the number of meningitis and septicaemia cases in England and Wales this summer. And although that picture is not reflected in Dorset, a local health expert is urging people to stay vigilant.

Meningitis UK says there were 74 more cases of the disease nationally up until August than at the same time last year.

Development manager Kate Rowland said: "We first started to notice a marked increase in July when more than 100 cases were recorded in the first two weeks."

Dr Sue Bennett, communicable diseases consultant in the Dorset Health Protection Unit, said figures for the first six months of the year showed that the county had only 10 cases of meningococcal disease - bacterial meningitis and septicaemia - one of the lowest incidences in the region.

"We have seen a downturn, but numbers can fluctuate year on year and the disease can happen all year round. Generally speaking numbers tend to be higher in the late autumn and winter," she warned.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and brain and can be caused by a virus or bacteria.

Bacterial meningitis is potentially more serious and can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, disability or even death.

Most deaths from meningococcal infection are caused by septicaemia, when bacteria multiply and produce poisons. Symptoms to look out for include feeling ill and feverish, a pinprick rash, cold hands and feet and rapid breathing.

Symptoms of meningitis include headaches, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and drowsiness.

First published: September 1, 2005