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 is Meningococcal Septicaemia?
Meningococcal septicaemia is a type of blood poisoning which
is caused by the same bacteria that 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.
The risk of getting the main type of meningitis and septicaemia,
meningococcal disease, is very small, even if you have been
in contact with someone who has the disease.
The bacteria which cause meningitis and septicaemia are
very common. Most of us will carry them at some stage in
our lives without developing any illness. Only a tiny proportion
of the population will develop meningitis or septicaemia
if they come into contact with the bacteria.
The bacteria are very weak. They survive for only a short
period of time outside the body, so they cannot live long
in the air and are not carried on household objects such
as clothes, furniture or toys. This means that you must
be in very close contact with someone before the bacteria
can pass between you. Even though this happens quite regularly,
it is unlikely you will develop meningitis or septicaemia
because most of us have natural resistance to the bacteria.
Although meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia are not
common diseases they are very dangerous and can develop
rapidly. That is why it is vital that everyone knows the
signs and symptoms to watch out for.
VISIT THE SITE FOR EXCELLENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS WITH PICTURES
, FURTHER INFORMATION AND PHOTOGRAPHS INCLUDING THE TUMBLER
TEST.
www.meningitis.org.uk
Information Courtesy of:
Meningitis Research Foundation
Midland Way
Thornbury
Bristol,
BS35 2BS
Freefone 24 Hour Helpline - 080 8800 3344
Admin: 01454 281811
Email: info@meningitis.org
For Further information visit the website
www.meningitis.org.uk
For further up to date information please visit The Chief Medical Officer's website.
www.dh.gov.uk/AboutUs/MinistersAndDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOffic
