THE UK’s largest meningitis charity, Meningitis Now, has launched an awareness drive of the potentially fatal disease ahead of the new school year.

The charity has called for parents, students and teachers to be made fully conscious of the disease’s symptoms and how quickly they can become severe.

Teenagers and children make up the second most ‘at risk’ category for infection, with an estimated 25% of students carrying the bacteria responsible for causing meningitis.

There are around 3200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia each year, but September sees the start of the meningitis peak season.

Out of the number of meningitis cases, one in 10 people die and of those who do survive at least a third are likely to be left with lifelong after-effects such as epilepsy and learning difficulties.

Sue Davie, Chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: “Meningitis can be a difficult disease to spot, particularly at this time of year, as many of its early symptoms can be similar to those of flu.”

The symptoms can include vomiting, headaches and joint and muscle pain amongst other things. There may also be a rash that does not fade under pressure.

The disease can also strike at any time regardless of health or age.

Increased awareness would certainly be welcomed in schools, as not all forms of meningitis are protected against by vaccination.

One tragic case of meningitis was 16-year-old BSG student Connie Moore, who died of meningitis in January of this year, just days after sitting her GCSE mock exams.

Connie sadly passed away after the correct treatment of antibiotics was withheld for four hours, but by the time the drugs were taken it was too late. Meningitis Now then said: “It is a disease that can kill within hours, so knowledge of the symptoms, vigilance and quick action are vital.”

Lyndon Duley, 16, a close friend a Connie’s, added that awareness of meningitis is “the most important thing.

“People ignore it and pretend nothing’s wrong and by that time the damage has been done.”

In order to help make aware the dangers of meningitis, Meningitis Now offer help via their website meningitisnow.org or through their free helpline on 0808 80 10 388.