Frequently asked questions
What is meningitis?
What is septicaemia?
What causes meningitis?
What happens in the body when a patient develops bacterial meningitis?
Who gets meningitis and how common is it?
What are the common symptoms of meningitis?
What are the symptoms of septicaemia?
What should I do if I suspect a patient has symptoms of meningitis?
What happens if meningitis or septicaemia is not treated?
What are the treatment options for meningitis and septicaemia?
Is meningitis C preventable?

What is meningitis?
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, layers that surround the brain and spinal cord.

What is septicaemia?
Septicaemia is an infection of the blood. Bacteria in the blood multiply and release toxins that cause significant damage to the body.

What causes meningitis?
There are a number of different types of bacteria and viruses that can cause meningitis. In the UK the two most common forms of bacterial meningitis are meningococcal meningitis (caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis) and pneumococcal meningitis (caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae). Both types of bacteria can also cause septicaemia.

Viruses which can lead to viral meningitis include enteroviruses (found in the lining of the intestines), herpes, measles and mumps. Following the introduction of the MMR vaccine, mumps and measles are rarely a cause of viral meningitis although achieving high vaccination coverage in the community is essential to maintaining this situation.

What happens in the body when someone develops bacterial meningitis?
Both adults and children carry the bacteria which cause meningococcal meningitis and pneumococcal meningitis. Usually the bacteria remain at the back of the nose and throat and can only be passed onto other people in nasal or oral droplets, for example by sneezing or kissing.

Even when the bacteria are passed on, they rarely cause a problem. However on some occasions, they are able to get past the body’s defences and lead to infection. The bacteria cross into the bloodstream and in this way are able to infect the meninges. Blood vessels in the brain subsequently become damaged, allowing the bacteria to infect the fluid (known as cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) which flows around the brain and spinal cord that provides nourishment and protection.

Who gets meningitis and how common is it?
Anyone can get meningitis. However it is more common in infants and young children under the age of 2 years, as their immune systems are not yet fully developed, and adults with a weakened immune systems or chronic disease.

What are the common symptoms of meningitis?
Symptoms of meningitis may differ according to age. The most common symptoms include severe headaches, dislike of bright lights (photophobia) and neck stiffness (which is less common in young children). Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, fever, confusion, drowsiness, a rash and seizures.

What are the symptoms of septicaemia?
There is often an overlap of symptoms between meningitis and septicaemia. Those with septicaemia may also have limb and/or joint pain, cold hands and feet and pale or mottled skin. A non-blanching rash (see Tumbler Test*) is also an indication of possible septicaemia.

What should I do if I suspect someone has symptoms of meningitis?
If you suspect your patient has meningitis, trust your instincts. Transfer the patient straight to the hospital as an emergency by telephoning 999.

What happens if meningitis or septicaemia is not treated?
If left untreated, bacterial meningitis can result in death or permanent disability. Children who survive meningitis often suffer from mental impairment, epilepsy and hearing problems.

Viral meningitis is generally less serious, and patients usually make a full recovery within two weeks. Septicaemia can lead to significant organ damage or death if left untreated.

What are the treatment options for meningitis and septicaemia?
Treatment of meningitis and septicaemia is a medical emergency. It is a priority to control the infection as soon as possible when this diagnosis is suspected, usually with antibiotics. Treatment then differs according to the type of infection but is extremely complicated and requires the support of the multidisciplinary medical team in both the acute infective phase and then the recovery.

Is Meningitis C preventable?
Vaccination against meningococci group C was introduced in 1999/2000. Children as part of the national childhood immunisation programme and all adults under 25 years of age are entitled to receive the MenC vaccination.

 
*Tumbler Test
If someone is ill and gets a rash, do the 'Tumbler Test'.
Check for spots over the whole body.
If a glass tumbler is pressed firmly against a septicaemic rash, the marks will not fade. You will be able to see the rash through the glass. If this happens get medical advice immediately. It is harder to see on dark skin, so check paler areas. Remember someone who is very ill needs medical help even if they have no rash or a rash that fades. 

Click here for further information on ways to help protect your patients against meningitis C caused by Neisseria meningitidis.