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. Viral meningitis can be very unpleasant but it is almost never life threatening and most people quickly make a full recovery. Bacterial meningitis is more serious and can be caused by a range of different bacteria, although most cases in the UK and Ireland are caused by meningococcal bacteria.
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.
Remember that both Meningitis and Septicaemia can kill someone in hours.
Every day nine people become ill with the diseases. With one in ten people dying, this means a death will occur almost every day. A further two people will be left with life-altering after-effects as severe as brain damage, deafness and multiple amputations.
There are more cases in winter than in summer. Anyone
can get the diseases, but babies, children and young adults are most
at risk. No other disease kills faster and a healthy person could die
in hours.
Vaccines offer excellent protection, but
they are not yet available for all forms of the disease. So it's vital
to know the symptoms and what to do if you suspect
someone has meningitis or septicaemia.