A fast-acting virus that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning is on the rise in the UK with experts warning parents to make sure their children are vaccinated View 4 Images The virus can potentially be fatal (Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

A virus that "takes hold in hours" is on the rise in the UK, health chiefs have warned . Cases of meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and blood poisoning, have increased across the nation over the past year with experts "deeply worried" by developments. ‌

The bacterial infection, which can be prevented with a vaccine, takes hold within a matter of hours and can potentially be fatal. A decline in vaccination take up among babies and school children has meant that more youngsters are at risk than usual.

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