What is Menigitis

How Meningitis Affects the Body

• Fever
• Light Sensitivity
• Stiff Neck
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Trouble Waking
• Altered Mental State
• Nausea and Vomiting

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.

It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

Learn more about Meningitis

Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.

Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:

• Sneezing, coughing and kissing

Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves.

It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.

Don’t delay – call 999 for an ambulance if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.