Parents Putting Their Children at Risk due to Poor Diagnosis of Serious Illnesses

Millions of Parents are not Confident About Taking Their Child's Temperature

LONDON, September 20, 2010 - Three quarters of parents aren't confident about diagnosing illness in
their own children, according to results of a new survey released today.

Worryingly, nearly half of the parents surveyed aren't aware of the
normal body temperature range of babies and toddlers, whilst two thirds don't
even know that critical body temperature varies between babies, toddlers and
older children.

One of the key indicators of meningitis and other childhood illnesses is
a raised temperature, yet more than a third surveyed admit they are not
confident about taking their child's temperature.

Furthermore, the survey highlighted that 33% of parents rely on devices
to measure temperatures that most health professionals consider to give
inaccurate readings, increasing the risk of incorrectly diagnosing illness in
their children.

The survey, commissioned by Brother Max, supported by Meningitis Research
Foundation, has been released to coincide with this year's Meningitis
Awareness Week, 20-26th September 2010.

More than 1,500 UK parents and grandparents completed the survey, which
identifies that there is confusion about the correct diagnosis of potentially
serious illnesses such as meningitis, especially when it comes to recognising
normal body temperature ranges in babies and children.

Dr Hilary Jones, Patron of Meningitis Resarch Foundation and TV medic
says, "Babies, toddlers and children become poorly all the time and sometimes
it is very difficult for any concerned parent to establish just how sick
their child really is. Is it merely a mild viral illness or could they be
showing the first signs of an ear or chest infection, tonsillitis or even
meningitis? The symptoms of meningitis can also vary from baby to child and
sometimes appear flu-like, such as vomiting and drowsiness".

With any illness, quick thinking and speedy reaction is key but the
survey showed that parents aren't confident, especially when identifying what
the normal temperature range for a healthy child should be.

Meningitis Research Foundation and Brother Max are working together to
educate parents and grandparents with clear data and key facts which will aid
early and accurate diagnosis of meningitis and other childhood illnesses
during Meningitis Awareness week.

Media interviews and comment are available from Dr Hilary Jones and
Meningitis Research Foundation.

For further information, please contact Ashley Harris at Entice Communications on +44(0)20-8959-3656 or ashley.h at enticecommunications.com