One-in-10 teens unaware of meningitis

ONE in ten young people have not heard of meningitis, the potentially lethal disease that also leaves survivors with brain damage, deafness and multiple amputations.

Launching a campaign to warn students of the signs of the disease, the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) wants teens, who are the second highest at risk group for contracting meningitis, to spot the vital symptoms of the disease which are similar to the flu or a hangover.

Broadcaster Claire Byrne, who was given the last rites when she was struck with the killer disease in 1990, has backed the campaign.