Meningitis produces a characteristic rash

Public health officials are concerned people may have a false sense of security after the vaccination campaign against meningitis C.

This has been hugely successful, but the B strain remains a serious threat.

Health Protection Scotland says the B strain has claimed most of the 16 deaths so far this year.

This compares to four deaths last year. Health chiefs revealed two of the deaths, a child under five and an adult, occurred last week.

Case increase

The latest figures published by Health Protection Scotland show there have been 131 cases of meningitis in 2004 so far, compared to 159 last year.

Investigations have identified no link between any of the cases, which have included a wide range of unrelated strains.

However, this year's figures are said to be average as 2003 showed an abnormally small number of deaths, due to the success of the meningitis C vaccination.

With the melting away of meningitis C disease, we're faced with the continuing burden from all the other kinds of meningitis Dr Jim McMenamin HPS

There has been an increase in cases of meningitis B over the past months, for which there is so far no vaccine available in the UK.

In 2000, 2001 and 2002 there were a total of 26, 13 and 13 deaths respectively.

A vaccine is being trialled in New Zealand and HPS is monitoring the results with a view to its introduction as soon as possible.

HPS has already written to doctors pointing out the importance of identifying the strains they find, so the most effective antibiotics can be swiftly administered.

'Early antibiotics'

Dr Jim McMenamin, of HPS, told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "This year's number of 16 cases is certainly disappointing and each one is a tragedy for any family affected.

"With the melting away of meningitis C disease, we're faced with the continuing burden from all the other kinds of meningitis.

"For the moment all we have is the ability to be very wary about the signs and symptoms of meningitis because early antibiotics for any person with meningitis can be life-saving."

There is also a need to be aware of different strains of meningitis in the community.

One unusual strain is associated with the Haj pilgrimage during which tens of thousands of people travel to Mecca each year.