What is meningitis?


Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues which cover the brain and spinal cord. Most cases in the UK and Ireland are caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial meningitis is generally more serious.  While meningococcal disease is the main cause of bacterial meningitis, there are many other types including pneumococcal, Hib, Group B streptococcal and others.

 

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Losing consciousness
  • A severe headache and a dislike to bright light
  • A stiff neck and rash can occur in some cases.

What is meningococcal septicaemia?

Meningococcal septicaemia is a type of blood poisoning, and it is caused by the same bacteria which cause the most common form of bacterial meningitis. It is the more life-threatening form of the disease.

 

With septicaemia, the bacteria release toxins into the blood, which break down the walls of the blood vessels allowing blood to leak out under the skin. This leaking causes marks on the skin - a rash of red or brownish pin prick spots which develop into purple bruises, blood blisters or blood spots. Septicaemia can make you very ill because it also reduces the amount of blood reaching vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

 

What are the symptoms of septicaemia?

  • A rash that can develop anywhere on the body
  • Fever/vomiting (not always present initially)
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Rapid breathing
  • Stomach joint and muscle pain (sometimes with diarrhoea)
  • Drowsiness/losing Consciousness (not in all cases).

How do people contract meningitis and septicaemia?

At any given time in the UK, one person in ten will be carrying the bacteria, which can cause meningococcal meningitis or septicaemia. We carry them in the back of our nose and throat without ever realising they are there. However, in a few people the bacteria overcome the body's immune defences and pass through the lining of the nose and throat into the blood stream. Once in the blood, they can cause two types of infection; meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

 

How common are meningitis and septicaemia?

In 1999 there were about 3,500 reported cases of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in the UK. That means that about 5 people in every 100,000 of the population will be affected by meningococcal disease each year. Other countries have different incidence rates.

 

Viral menigitis, although probably more common than menigococcal meningitis and septicaemia, is rarely serious. Other types of bacterial meningitis in the UK and Ireland are uncommon or rare.

 

Why do a few people develop meningitis and septicaemia?

Scientists do not yet fully understand why a few people develop meningitis or septicaemia from bacteria, which are harmless to most of us. Statistics show that children under the age of five, and young adults, have a higher risk of developing meningitis or septicaemia, although anyone can get these diseases. The Meningitis Research Foundation funds research which aims to find out what makes people susceptible to meningitis or septicaemia.

 

Can meningitis and septicaemia be treated?

Yes. Meningitis and septicaemia can be treated. However, because they develop extremely rapidly, it is important to know the signs and symptoms and to get medical help quickly if you think that someone has either of these diseases. At least 95% of people recover from meningococcal meningitis, but the recovery rate in patients with meningococcal septicaemia can be as low as 50%, depending on the severity of the disease. Both types of infection can kill very quickly if not recognised and treated in time.

 

Vaccinations

A new vaccine that protects against Group C meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia was introduced in the UK in late 1999, and in the Republic of Ireland in 2000. It has greatly reduced cases of Group C disease in the age groups targeted for vaccination. All person 24 years and younger can get this vaccine free from their GP.

 

As yet there is no vaccine that can prevent all forms of meningitis and septicaemia. Group B meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia is the most common form of the disease in the UK and Ireland and no available vaccine can protect against this, so knowing the signs and symptoms is vital.

 

A vaccine that protects against Hib meningitis is offered as part of the childhood immunisation programme. It has virtually eliminated Hib meningitis from countries where it is used.

 

Vaccines are normally given by General Practitioners (GPs).  To make an appointment to see one of our General Practitioners please call Appointments on 020 7460 5700.