Meningitis can be caused by a number of different pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses. While viral meningitis is more common, it is normally less serious and almost never life threatening. Bacterial meningitis is always serious and severe. In the UK, meningococcal disease is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. It can also cause septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease.

Meningococcal bacteria can be divided into several groups, but most disease in the UK was caused by groups B and C. Both groups have high fatality rates, while those who survive can be left with severe disabilities, such as loss of limbs.

However, in the UK, infants and young children are routinely offered vaccination against meningococcal group C disease (meningitis C) and the number of cases caused by group C have significantly reduced since routine vaccination was introduced. Unfortunately, the development of an effective vaccine against meningococcal group B disease is still some years away.

Be alert to the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia 

The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include fever, vomiting, headache and drowsiness. It is important to note these symptoms may not all appear at once and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a severe headache, stiff neck and dislike of bright lights.

Patients suffering from meningococcal septicaemia often develop a non-blanching rash, called a haemorrhagic rash. Septicaemia can develop quickly. In severe cases, the rash may spread as you watch it.