Lives could be saved by a new iPhone app that displays the vital signs of a disease which can kill within hours, it was claimed today.
The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) launched a free application that lists the symptoms of the infection, which are similar to flu or a hangover.
Diane McConnell, MRF Ireland manager, said knowing the signs of meningitis is crucial to save lives.
“This app ensures people have vital life-saving information directly at their fingertips,” said Ms McConnell.
“We are encouraging every iPhone, iPad and iPod touch user to download it.” Young adults are twice as likely to carry the bacteria that cause meningitis - which is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord - and septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease.
Symptoms, which can appear in any order, include fever, vomiting, headache, feeling unwell, cold hands and feet, a rash and pale or mottled skin.
Up to 300 cases of the conditions are recorded each year, with up 30 people dying. A further 20 per cent of survivors are left with after-effects including brain damage, deafness, blindness and multiple amputations.
The new app also includes details of emergency departments, latest news and a game called Bug Blaster, a virtual battle against bacteria to eliminate the meningitis bug.
It follows the success of a similar free video message for mobile phones launched in September. Users can text TIME to 50308 for details.
Peter Moorhead, whose five-year-old daughter Ellie almost died when she contracted septicaemia nearly two years ago, said everyone should download the app.
The schoolgirl, who spent two weeks on life support, was blind for six weeks.
She later lost the tips of her toes and suffered permanent damage in one eye and to the muscles in her legs. The youngster now faces years of surgery and therapies.
“Meningitis and septicaemia are caused by a family of bugs that are out there all the time in first world countries in people’s throats and noses,” Mr Moorhead said.
“You come into contact with them everyday but it is rare they get beyond the barrier of a healthy person.
“My daughter survived by the skin of her teeth because she got to intensive care in time because of her mother’s instinct. She knew something was wrong.
“If you recognise the symptoms it can make the difference, it can save somebody’s life.” Mr Moorhead - who led a campaign to convince mobile phone providers to let customers download the video message for free - has been short listed for the Volunteer of the Year Award which will take place next week in the Mansion House.
Information on meningitis and septicaemia is available through www.meningitis.org or MRF’s free 24-hour helpline on 1800 413344.