Seeing through meningitis
2003-07-29 21:34
Pretoria - A test with a transparent water glass can help students determine whether a rash is a symptom of the deadly meningitis which has claimed the life of three students in Potchefstroom.
A septicaemia rash, that looks like needle pricks and can turn into large purple blotches within hours, sometimes accompanies the meningococcal meningitis that erupts from time to time on campuses worldwide.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
The British department of health recommends the "glass test" to determine whether a rash is dangerous.
"Press a glass against the rash. Check whether it fades or loses colour. If not, contact your doctor," the department warns on its website.
Dr Clara Schutte of the department of neurology at the University of Pretoria, says people should not take risks.
Symptoms
"If you have a headache and a rash, contact a doctor. This type of meningitis develops very quickly. In the morning you might be feeling fine, but by the afternoon you could be in intensive care in hospital."
Other symptoms are a stiff neck and fever. "It is highly contagious and much more dangerous than flu. In a hostel, it can spread like wildfire."
Schutte said the disease is transmitted when a carrier sneezes or coughs near someone.
"We normally recommend a patient's family to take antibiotics as a preventive measure. At crèches, the entire class is treated."
About 10% of people with meningococcal meningitis dies. One out of seven survivors develops disabilities such as deafness and brain damage. Other complications include headaches, balance problems, fits, reduced muscle tone and even amputation.