From this page you can access all the information you need regarding
Meningitis. Please use the 'Quick Jump' menu below to go to the information
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What Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the
linings that surround and protect the brain. It can be caused by many
different organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Vaccines
are the only way to prevent meningitis, and until there are vaccines
available that can prevent all types of Meningitis
you need to know the signs and symptoms to look
out for and the action to take.
Septicaemia (blood poisoning) is caused when bacteria enter the bloodstream
and multiply uncontrollably. Meningococcal bacteria can cause both meningitis
and septicaemia. Together these are known as meningococcal disease.
Most cases of meningitis happen alone, but when there is a case of meningococcal disease, there is a chance that further cases can occur. To reduce the risk of further outbreaks, people who have been in close contact with anyone affected by meningococcal disease may be offered antibiotics. If you are concerned that you may have been in close contact with someone who has meningococcal disease please contact your GP or local A&E for advice.
Types of Meningitis
The types of Meningitis have been divided into twelve sections. Please use the 'Quick Jump Menu' below to read about a specific type:
Meningococcal Disease Pneumococcal HiB TB GBS E.Coli Listeria Salmonella Neonatal Fungal Viral Rarer Types
Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening infection. It is a term used to describe two major illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These can occur on their own or, more commonly, both together. It can strike at any age, but most cases occur in babies and young children. The next most vulnerable group are teenagers and young adults.
Most people will make a good recovery, but meningococcal disease requires very fast medical treatment, as around 7% of cases will result in death and 15% of those affected can be left with severe and disabling after-effects.
The following downloadable fact-sheet, produced by The Meningitis Trust provides very useful and detailed information about the disease and would certainly be worth looking at:
Click
here or on the PDF to download the fact-sheet
You can also click here to find out more about Meningococcal Meningitis on this website.
Pneumococcal meningitis is a life-threatening infection.
Most cases occur in babies and young children under 18 months of age.
Most people will make a good recovery but pneumococcal meningitis requires
very fast medical treatment, as around 20% of cases
will result in death and 25% of those affected can be left with severe
and disabling after-effects.
However, a routine vaccine is available to help prevent pneumococcal
disease in the UK, and the Department of Health and Children have announced
that it will be introduced in Ireland in 2008.
The following downloadable fact-sheet, produced by The Meningitis Trust provides very useful and detailed information about Pneumococcal Disease and would certainly be worth looking at:
Click
here or on the PDF to download the fact-sheet
You can also click here to find out more about Pneumococcal Meningitis on this website.
Hib meningitis is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus
influenzae type b. This type of meningitis is usually seen in babies
and children under the age of four.
The introduction of a Hib vaccine in the UK and Ireland in 1992 has
significantly reduced the number of cases and this type of meningitis
is now rarely seen. Click here to find out more
about HiB Meningitis.
This is the main cause of meningitis in newborn babies. GBS bacteria can cause septicaemia, meningitis and pneumonia. Up to 90% of babies who get this disease survive and a recent study found that half of those who recovered from GBS disease had no significant after-effects. GBS bacteria are carried by at least 30% of people and are usually harmless. Click here to find out more about meningitis caused by the GBS bacteria.
Certain strains of these bacteria can cause meningitis, especially in newborn babies, and people of any age who have particular health problems. It is a much more important cause of meningitis in developing countries. Many other similar bacteria cause meningitis in the same way, but these are more rare. Click here to find out more about meningitis caused by E Coli.
This form of meningitis occurs mainly in babies, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. It can be passed from mother to foetus during pregnancy or labour. When illness occurs very soon after birth, the most common problem is pneumonia and respiratory distress. Meningitis mainly occurs in babies who develop illness 2 or 3 days after birth. Late-onset infection may also occur through contact with other infected infants or adults who handle the baby. Very few cases now occur each year in the UK and Ireland, largely due to successful education campaigns about the dangers of eating unpasteurised milk products or contaminated pate, poultry or shellfish in pregnancy. The disease can be very serious, with a death rate of about 30%. Click here to find out more about meningitis caused by Listeria.
The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis usually begins by infecting the lungs, but in about 2% of cases the bacteria travel via the bloodstream to the meninges and cause TB meningitis. It develops much more slowly than other bacterial forms of meningitis and can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
The following downloadable fact-sheet, produced by The Meningitis Trust provides very useful and detailed information about TB Meningitis and would certainly be worth looking at:
Click
here or on the PDF to download the fact-sheet
You can also click here to find out more about TB Meningitis on this website.
This is a very rare form of meningitis caused by salmonella bacteria. Click here to find out more about Salmonella Meningitis.
Some forms of meningitis particularly affect new-born
babies. The most common causes are group B streptococcus (Streptococcus
agalactiae) and E.coli bacteria. Although these types of meningitis
are rare, fatality rates can be as high as 20%. The risks are higher
for premature babies, or those born after a long or difficult labour.
Click here to find out more about Neonatal
Meningitis.
Some fungi can occasionally cause meningitis, but the
disease is very rare. It usually occurs when the immune system has been
affected by disease, e.g. HIV infection, or by drug therapy. Fungal
meningitis often develops slowly and can be difficult to diagnose and
treat. Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans are examples of
fungi that can cause meningitis. Click here
to find out more about Fungal Meningitis.
Viral meningitis is usually a mild disease but it can
make people very unwell. Many thousands of cases occur each year, mostly
affecting babies and children. Although most people will make a full
recovery some are left with serious and debilitating after-effects.
The following downloadable fact-sheet, produced by The Meningitis Trust provides very useful and detailed information about Viral Meningitis and would certainly be worth looking at:
Click
here or on the PDF to download the fact-sheet
You can also click here to find out more about Viral Meningitis on this website.
There are other rarer types of meningitis. Click
here to find out more.
Signs & Symptoms of Meningitis
Meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are not always easy to recognise, and symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. In the early stages, the signs and symptoms can be similar to many other more common illnesses, such as flu.
Trust your instincts. If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, get medical help immediately.
Early symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), and muscle pain, with cold hands and feet.
A rash that does not fade under pressure (see ‘The
Glass Test’ below) is a sign of meningococcal septicaemia. This rash
may begin as a few small spots anywhere on the body and can spread quickly
to look like fresh bruises.
The spots or rash are caused by blood leaking into the tissues under
the skin. They are more difficult to see on darker skin, so look on
paler areas of the skin and under the eyelids. The spots or rash may
fade at first, so keep checking.
However, if someone is ill or is obviously getting worse, do not wait for spots or a rash to appear. They may appear late or may not appear at all.
The Glass/Tumbler Test:
Spots or a rash will still be seen when the side of a clear drinking glass is pressed firmly against the skin.
A fever, together with spots or a rash that do not fade under pressure, is a medical emergency.
Trust your instincts. If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, get medical help immediately.
Treatment for Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia are medical emergencies and need immediate treatment with antibiotics, together with admission to hospital. Some people will be cared for on a general ward, with close observation. Others may need to be cared for in an intensive care unit where their condition can be more closely monitored. The length of time spent in hospital varies depending on the severity of the disease.
You'll find more information on the treatment of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia by downloading the following PDF document produced by the Meningitis Trust:
Click
here or on the PDF to download the fact-sheet
Viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening, but can still make people
very unwell. Most people with viral meningitis recover without needing
hospital treatment.
Those who do need admission to hospital are treated with pain relief and rest. As with bacterial meningitis, the length of time spent in hospital will vary.
Vaccines for Meningitis
Effective vaccines are available to prevent some types
of bacterial meningitis, but not all, so it is important to know the
signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
so you can take action.
There is still no vaccine to prevent meningococcal group B disease,
which is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK and
Ireland. Development of an effective vaccine is now a major priority
and experts believe this should be achievable in three to five years.
The following vaccines are offered as part of the childhood immunisation programme in the UK and Ireland:
MenC
The MenC vaccine has dramatically reduced the number of cases of meningococcal
group C disease by around 95% in all age groups.
Hib
Hib used to be the leading cause of meningitis in children under 5,
with around 800 cases and 25 deaths reported each year. Since the introduction
of the Hib vaccine in 1992, cases of Hib meningitis are now rare, with
around 50 cases reported each year.
PCV
PCV offers protection against 7 different types of pneumococcal bacteria
which account for around 80% of invasive disease (including meningitis)
in the under 5s in the UK and Ireland. This vaccine has been very effective
in the USA. Following its recent introduction in the UK its impact in
reducing disease is being closely monitored. The Department of Health
and Children have announced that it will be introduced in Ireland in
2008.
PPV
A pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is available and recommended
for adults and children who have had, or who are at increased risk of
pneumococcal disease (for example, those with asthma, chronic heart
disease, diabetes mellitus and those with cochlear implants). This vaccine
is also routinely offered to adults over 65. The vaccine protects against
23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria, but has a limited period of protection
and is not effective in babies under 2 years old.
Vaccines and viral meningitis
Some viruses that cause diseases such as measles and mumps can also
cause meningitis. The routine MMR vaccine protects against measles,
mumps and rubella (German Measles). Before its introduction, mumps was
the most common cause of viral meningitis in children.
Meningitis and travel
Travel vaccines are available to prevent some groups of meningococcal
disease. These offer protection for three to five years, but are not
effective in infants and young children. Your doctor’s surgery or health
centre will have specific, up to date information on all vaccines needed
before travelling.
You'll find more information on vaccines for meningitis by downloading the following PDF fact-sheet 'Meningitis Vaccines: the facts' 'produced by the Meningitis Trust:
Click
here or on the PDF to download the fact-sheet
Life After Meningitis
The types of Meningitis have been divided into six sections. Please use the 'Quick Jump Menu' below to read about a specific type:
Bereavement Taking Time To Recover After-Effects of Septicaemia Hearing and Sight Severe Brain Damage/Epilepsy Other after-Effects
Bereavement is a very distressing experience, and the
death of someone you love following meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia
is always traumatic and painful.
For many, the suddenness of the disease and the speed with which it
develops are both shocking and overwhelming. Families are left feeling
stunned and traumatised, sometimes within a matter of hours, and may
have many unanswered questions.
There is no right or wrong way to feel following the death of someone close to you and it is natural to have very mixed emotions. There are numerous charities that can offer support and help to anyone who has lost a loved one to meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia. Please visit the Links page to find an organisation that has specialist counsellors and nurses on-hand 24-hours day 7-days a week to help you through this very difficult time. Alternatively, you can always use our forum to chat with others and off-load in a very caring, supportive and understanding environment. We know that you may find it difficult to ask for help after bereavement, but we also want you to know that we are here to help if we can.
Leaving Hospital:
Leaving hospital can be a worrying time. A person is not always ready
or able to go back to their old lifestyle. If there are serious after-effects
rehabilitation will take longer. For some this means many months in
hospital, which can cause problems for family life, education or employment.
For others, although the stay in hospital may be short, adjusting to
life at home can still be difficult.
People recovering from either viral or bacterial meningitis should pay
attention to what their bodies are telling them and should be advised
not to rush. Plenty of rest can help with the recovery process.
Emotional effects:
The emotional impact on individuals and families can be huge, even when
there is a good physical recovery.
Everyone will respond differently and emotional difficulties will vary depending on age. For example, young children can often experience nightmares, bed wetting, clinginess and temper tantrums. Teenagers can go through a period of depression and find it difficult to express their emotions. Children and adults may experience anxiety and depression, lack of self-esteem and confidence, and behavioural problems such as aggression and mood swings.
Patience and understanding is often the best way forward. Some people may need more support to get them through the bad times. Please use our forum to chat to others and share experiences.
It's not unusual to feel isolated at this time and many people don't know who to turn to. Talking to someone who understands can be a great help and many people benefit from talking to others in a caring an supportive environment. See our Links page for other organisations who can help or visit our forum to talk to others and feel supported and cared for in a community that understands exactly how you are feeling and what you are going through.
Recovery & Young Children
Many children will quickly make a good recovery despite being very ill,
but they may still behave differently, demand attention and have unexpected
temper tantrums. Younger children can find it hard to explain how they
feel.
Serious after-effects can lead to many changes because of frequent hospital visits, ongoing treatment and disruption to family life. Brothers and sisters, particularly younger children, will need extra attention and understanding because they can experience anxiety and feelings of isolation.
It is important that all the family receives the right care and support to meet their needs. If you need help or to talk to someone take a look at the list of websites we have on the Links page, or chat to others in the Emma's Diary Forum.
The after-effects and complications of septicaemia are the result of damage to the major organs of the body such as the skin, brain, kidneys, lungs and heart.
When bacteria invade the body they multiply in the bloodstream and release toxins (poisons). These toxins damage the blood vessels and reduce the flow of oxygen to the major organs including the skin and underlying tissues. This can lead to skin and tissue damage, organ failure and limb loss.
Septicaemia often results in scarring on the body, which can be permanent. Skin grafts and plastic surgery can improve the appearance and restore the function of the injured areas.
In severe cases when tissues die, fingers, toes and limbs sometimes need to be amputated. People who experience complications as a result of septicaemia often have to visit hospital frequently and need many operations. Rehabilitation and recovery can take months if not years.
If you are worried, or just need someone who understands to talk to, have a chat with others in our forum. Members will be able to give you help and support in a caring and friendly environment.
Hearing
Hearing loss is the most common after-effect of meningitis. Difficulties
can range from mild hearing loss through to profound deafness in one
or both ears. Damage to the inner ear can also result in balance problems
and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
It is important that anyone who has had meningitis has a hearing test soon after their illness. If you have not had a hearing test, contact your GP and they will arrange this.
Sight
Meningitis can damage the nerve responsible for sight (optic nerve),
resulting in partial loss of vision or blindness in one or both eyes.
Many people experience eyesight difficulties due to the optic nerve
swelling after their illness. Often, however, this improves over time.
SEVERE BRAIN DAMAGE AND EPILEPSY:
Severe brain damage following meningitis is not common and is usually obvious within a few days of becoming ill. The level of damage to the brain may not be clear early on and it may take some time for health professionals and families to understand the full implications.
Epilepsy (seizures) can happen in a small number of people. It is not always immediately obvious and, occasionally, children and adults who have recovered from meningitis go on to develop epilepsy which needs long-term medication and assessment.
If you have or someone close to you has been affected in this way due to meningitis it is often helpful to talk about it with others and offer support and advice in a caring and friendly atmosphere. Our forum can offer a safe place for members to talk openly and freely about all aspects of meningitis and how their lives have been affected by it.
OTHER AFTER-EFFECTS OF MENINGITIS:
Learning & behavioural
problems:
Learning difficulties and behavioural problems seem to be quite common
after meningitis, especially in babies and young children. Fortunately,
many of these problems are short-term and improve with time.
When learning and behavioural difficulties are long-term, you may need
expert help and support. Many professionals, including GPs, paediatricians,
specialist teachers and psychologists, can help to reduce problems and
make life easier. Patience and understanding from family, employers,
schools and those working with sufferers is vital.
Memory problems
Memory problems are a common result of brain damage, because many parts
of the brain are concerned with storing and processing different kinds
of information. The effect of memory loss can vary. Many people experience
short-term memory loss, or find it hard to concentrate following meningitis.
This can make everyday tasks very difficult and can cause problems when
returning to work or school.
Short term after-effects
Children and adults may experience a wide range of less visible after-effects
in the weeks and months after their illness. These can include general
tiredness, persistent headaches, clumsiness, giddiness and sore or stiff
joints.
In most cases these problems do gradually improve, but they can be
very debilitating and distressing for the person concerned.
If you have or someone close to you has been affected in any way either directly or indirectly by meningitis it is often helpful to talk about it with others and offer support and advice in a caring and friendly atmosphere. Our forum can offer a safe place for members to talk openly and freely about all aspects of meningitis and how their lives have been affected by it.