What is Meningitis B and what causes it?
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by bacteria easily passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and intimately kissing. If the bacteria passes into the bloodstream it quickly multiplies and releases toxins that can cause widespread damage to the body.
Blood vessels are damaged preventing the vital flow of oxygen to all organs of the body. Damage to the lining of the brain can lead to the infection of the cerebrospinal fluid and the inflammation and pressure around the brain can lead to nerve damage.
Meningitis Signs and Symptoms
Bacterial meningitis symptoms may develop within hours. Viral meningitis symptoms may also develop quickly or over several days.
High temperature, headache and neck stiffness are the main symptoms of meningitis. Below are the more common signs and symptoms of both types, though not all will necessarily appear, and they may not appear in this order:
Early symptoms
- A severe headache
- Fever
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Feeling generally unwell
Later symptoms
As the condition gets worse it may cause:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Seizures or fits
- Being unable to tolerate bright lights (less common in young children)
- A stiff neck (less common in young children)
- Rapid breathing
- A blotchy red rash that does not fade or change colour when you press a glass against it is a sign of septicaemia (blood poisoning) and is not always present and when it does appear it is in the later stages of the illness.
Vaccination Information:
The course consists of two to three doses depending on your age and you only require a booster if under the age of 2.
