What is meningitis?

Introduction

Meningitis is the inflammation of the outer linings of the brain and spinal cord – the meninges. It can be caused by both viruses and bacteria, but bacterial meningitis is by far the most deadly. The most common type is meningococcus.

Infection with meningococcal bacteria can cause septicaemia (blood poisoning) as well as meningitis, and it is common for there to be features of both. The most life-threatening form of the condition is septicaemia without meningitis.
Fewer than 5% of those with meningococcal meningitis die, but the death rate for those with septicaemia is four times greater, rising to ten times if the patient goes into medical shock before medical help arrives.

During the 1998/99 academic year, 58 students suffered from meningitis and septicaemia and 12 students died. It is estimated that students are twice as vulnerable to meningitis than others in the 18-25 age group, and that those at greatest risk live in halls of residence.

Transmission

An estimated one in ten people carry the bacteria at the back of the nose and throat at any one time, but in this form the bacteria are harmless. It is not known why certain individuals develop the disease and others don't, but it is passed on by prolonged close contact, such as kissing.

Coughing, sneezing, and other less intimate bodily contact is less likely to pass on the bacteria, which does not survive outside the body for very long. However, there is some evidence to suggest that smoking (including passive smoking) or ill health due to a cold or 'flu can lower resistance to infection.

The incubation period for those susceptible to meningococcal disease is 2-10 read more