Michael Rosen's Heartbreaking Plea on Meningitis Awareness
In a deeply emotional interview on Good Morning Britain, renowned author Michael Rosen, 79, has issued a critical public health warning about meningitis, urging people to 'look everywhere' for the telltale rash associated with the infection. This plea comes from his personal tragedy, as his 18-year-old son Eddie died from meningitis in 1999, a loss he has written about in his book, Michael Rosen's Sad Book.
The Devastating Morning That Changed Everything
Rosen recounted the morning he discovered Eddie had passed away overnight, describing it as 'abrupt and terrifying.' Eddie had shown flu-like symptoms the previous evening, but Rosen only learned after his death that the meningitis rash had been present in his armpits—a location often overlooked. 'It looked like flu, and people talk about the rash and assume it's visible, that it's on your arms or on your chest,' Rosen explained. 'By and large, when somebody's ill, you don't say, "Let me look at your armpits," and with teenagers you don't say, "Let me look in your groin," because it's a private matter, but it can also appear on the soles of your feet.'
Urgent Advice: The Glass Test and Hidden Rashes
Sitting with hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, Rosen emphasized the importance of thorough checks. 'The rash, look everywhere if there's any doubt whatsoever. Look everywhere. Don't be intrusive, obviously, but armpits, not so intrusive, ask your teenagers to look at their groin, and the glass test is absolutely effective.' The glass test, recommended by the NHS, involves pressing a glass firmly against a skin rash; if it does not fade, it could indicate meningitis, and immediate medical help should be sought by calling 999.
Current Outbreak and Symptoms to Watch For
This warning is particularly timely amid a meningitis outbreak in Kent, linked to a super-spreader event at a Canterbury nightclub, with 20 confirmed cases and two fatalities. The NHS notes that meningitis is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults, and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Symptoms include a high temperature, vomiting, headache, rash, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, and seizures.
A Legacy of Loss and Hope
Rosen reflected on Eddie's death, hoping it contributed to the rollout of the MenC vaccine in 1999, which targets the C variant of meningitis that took his son's life. He described the rapid nature of the illness, saying, 'It really was that quick and if I dare say, simple. I went in in the morning and he was lying on his back. I said, "Eddie, I've got to go to work now, Eddie". He didn't reply and then I felt him and immediately realised he was dead.' After calling an ambulance, he found Eddie had rigor mortis, and paramedics confirmed his passing minutes later.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 from 6am, providing a platform for such vital health discussions. Rosen's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness in preventing further tragedies from this deadly infection.
