KEIGHLEY people are being warned to stay vigilant for symptoms of meningitis.

The warning has been issued by the charity Meningitis Now, which says cases of the deadly bacterial form of the disease peak during winter months ­– when people spend a greater chunk of time indoors and germs are spread more easily.

Also, fighting common infections such as colds and flu weakens people’s immune systems, leaving them more susceptible to the disease.

Every year there are around 2,000 cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

Ten per cent of cases prove fatal, and in about a third of others the victim is left with after-effects such as brain damage or loss of hearing or sight – and where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring.

Dr Tom Nutt, for Meningitis Now, said: “Babies and children under five are most at risk of meningitis, with over half of all cases occurring in this age group.

“But the disease can affect anyone, of any age, at any time. Even those who consider themselves ‘fit and healthy’ may be left fighting for their life in a matter of hours.”

Symptoms of meningitis can include fever with cold hands and feet, vomiting, a headache, stiff neck, a dislike of bright light, muscle pain, pale blotchy skin and drowsiness, and in babies, a dislike of being handled, an unusual cry, rapid breathing and bulging fontanelle. For more information, visit meningitisnow.org.