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Search forVaccine hope in battle to wipe out meningitis
Friday, November 21, 2008, 08:00
I lost my son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia some time ago and can well imagine the pain that all those who knew him are suffering.
On behalf of the national charity Meningitis UK, I would like to pass on our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.
Sadly, meningitis can often be incredibly difficult to detect as the symptoms are often hard to distinguish from more minor ailments such as the common cold or flu, plus there are occasions when people show no or very few symptoms.
For these reasons, we believe the only way to truly eradicate the disease is through the development of a preventative vaccine, which is our sole focus at Meningitis UK.
Last year, we launched our Search 4 a Vaccine campaign which signals the start of a major phase in the search for a vaccine for meningococcal group B, which accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases in the UK and for which there is currently no vaccine.
Our scientists believe that with enough support, a vaccine can be found within the next seven years, possibly even sooner.
In the absence of a vaccine to protect against all strains, we also distribute a wide range of material to raise awareness of the common symptoms.
If we can offer any support or information to any of your readers, or if they would like to support our search for a vaccine, they can call Meningitis UK on 0117 373 7373 or visit the website www.meningitisUK.org.
Steve Dayman Chief Executive Meningitis UK
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