Meningitis

Get the facts behind the 'brain bug' headlines.

In a nutshell

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and the spinal cord, caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The bacterial type is regarded as the more serious of the two. It tends to affect young children, and can be fatal in some cases.

What are the symptoms?

Bacterial meningitis can develop rapidly, so always seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that all is not well. In adults as well as children, a stiff neck and severe headache should not be ignored, along with a dislike of bright lights, high temperature and vomiting. Also watch out for a rash that starts looking like tiny pinpricks and later turns to purple blotches. A meningitis rash will not fade when pressed (try using a glass tumbler against the skin).

How is it treated?

The majority of people who pick up the viral infection, which can take weeks to develop, tend to recover without treatment. Antibiotics can help to prevent the spread of some forms of bacterial meningitis. Either way, it's vital for a medical professional to identify what type it is at an early stage, and provide appropriate care.

Can it be prevented?

Routine vaccinations exist to guard against some bacterial meningitis strains. Generally, the most effective way to minimise the impact of an infection is to seek immediate medical care.