Parents sent urgent warning over surge in 'brain-invading' bug across UK
The infection usually spikes in September and can cause horrible symptoms like sightloss, sickness, and a rash.
Parents in the UK have been told to "act swiftly" as cases of a deadly brain infection are on the rise.
Meningitis tends to spike in September. It infects the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
It can cause unwelcome symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, fever, and a sensitivity to light.
People usually catch the bug from bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
Meningitis can be prevented with a vaccine, charity Meningitis Now has said.
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UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures published last month show that the infection is affecting more and more people.
There were 396 confirmed cases during 2022/23, compared to 205 cases in 2021/22. Among them were 33 deaths.
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive at Meningitis Now, said: "While the decrease in cases during the pandemic provided some respite, this recent surge is a clear reminder that meningitis remains a critical health threat.
"We want to stress the importance of vigilance and vaccination. We urge everyone, particularly those in unvaccinated age groups, to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and to act swiftly if they suspect meningitis."
Julia Evans, 53, from Aberbargoed in South Wales, was diagnosed with the infection in late 2019.
She described the horrible symptoms she suffered, telling The Sun: "I thought it was an aura and I was having a migraine At work I took some paracetamol, but my headache was getting worse and every time I tried to stand up it felt like there was an elephant on my head."
Ms Evans lost her vision after seeing flashing lights in her eyes while driving to work. Paramedics then put her on a drip when she developed a fever.
She added: "They put me on a drip immediately and sent for an ambulance. By the time it turned up all my senses were being affected.
"The consultant came to see me and within five minutes he told me he thought I had meningitis.
"And I remember thinking, no, I can't be - I thought meningitis was something that only happens to younger people."
The infection has had a long-term impact on Ms Evans, who has to regularly visit hospital and still has problems with her hearing and vision.
She continued: "I still have lots of hospital appointments," she said. "Meningitis damaged my eyesight.
"I lost hearing in my right ear, I now have to use a walking stick or a wheelchair, I have weakness down the entire right side of my body and I have trouble with body pain, headaches and insomnia.
"I also have some nerve damage in my spine because of the lumbar puncture.
"That's the thing that I've learned over the years, any sort of damage to the brain can affect every single part of your body.
"It's just a new life. When something like this happens to you, when you're left with numerous disabilities - you just have to find a new way of living."
Below is a list of symptoms that could indicate meningitis:
A high fever over 37.5 degrees - the average human temperature
Being sick
A headache
A blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it
Stiffness, especially in the neck
Sensitivity to bright lights
Drowsiness, irritability or lack of energy
Cold hands and feet
Seizures
The classic rash associated with meningitis usually looks like small, red pinpricks at first.
