A new survey has revealed a low level of awareness and knowledge among adults about meningitis.

The survey, by ACT for Meningitis, the Irish national meningitis awareness charity, revealed that almost half (49%) of people surveyed believe that meningitis only affects babies and small children, even though the disease can strike at any age.

The charity has pointed out that Ireland has the highest incidence of meningococcal disease in Europe, with meningitis B accounting for the majority of these cases.

While children under the age of five are the highest risk category, teenagers and adolescence is the second highest at risk of contracting the disease.

CEO of ACT for Meningitis Siobhan Carroll stated, "On World Meningitis Day we would like to take the opportunity to continue to urge people of all ages to please be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, you can save a life."

World Meningitis Day is held every year on April 24 to raise the global profile of meningitis, emphasise the importance of vaccination, and provide support for those dealing with the consequences of the disease.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis in babies include: being unusually sleepy; very irritable or not wanting to be picked up; high temperature; limp and floppy or stiff and jerky movements; pale in colour or turning blue; breathing unusually fast; cold hands and feet.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis in both children and adults include: severe headache; vomiting; uncontrolled jerky body movements; high fever; dislike of bright lights.

Should a rash be present, as it sometimes can be, press a glass against it. If the rash does not fade under the pressure of the glass there is a high chance of meningococcal septicaemia. An individual presenting such a symptom should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

A meningitis B vaccine is available but as it is not part of the HSE primary immunisation schedule, it is not free of charge. A  free meningitis C vaccine is part of the immunisation schedule.

See our Childhood Immunisation Tracker

Further information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis are available to view or download on the ACT for Meningitis website www.actformeningitis.ie.