Information about meningitis and meningococcal disease
Everybody is at risk from meningococcal disease, but:
- the under-fives are most at risk; and
- teenagers and young adults are the second most at risk group.
Meningitis and meningococcal disease are notifiable diseases in the UK and any doctor suspecting that a patient is suffering from either is required by law to report it.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is infection of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a variety of different organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. The less common form of the disease, bacterial meningitis, is always associated with severe illness and can be fatal. By contrast, viral meningitis, which can be caused by several different viruses, is more common but usually less severe.
In the UK, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis is infection with the meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria menigitidis) although other bacteria, including those that cause pneumococcal disease and tuberculosis, can cause meningitis.
What is meningococcal disease?
In addition to causing meningitis, infection with Neisseria meningitidis bacteria can also cause meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning). Meningococcal disease is the collective name given to disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis infection. Disease may present as either meningococcal meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia or as both together.
Meningococcal bacteria are divided into distinct serogroups, according to their polysaccharide outer capsule. The most common serogroups that cause disease worldwide are groups B, C, A, Y and W. Most meningococcal disease in the UK is caused by serogroups B and C. However, the number of cases caused by serogroup C has significantly reduced in the UK since routine vaccination was introduced in 1999 in those age groups targeted for vaccination.
Urgent treatment with antibiotics and appropriate hospital management is essential for someone with meningococcal disease.
How is meningococcal disease spread?
Meningococcal disease is transmitted by respiratory aerosols, droplets or by direct contact with the respiratory secretions of someone carrying the bacteria. The incubation period is from 2 to 7 days and the onset of disease varies from severe and sudden onset with acute and overwhelming features, to insidious with mild prodromal symptoms.
Further advice and support
If you would like to learn more about the diseases a number of information resources are available to help.
You can also call NHS 111 or your GP practice for advice if you have any questions.
There is more information about meningitis and meningococcal disease available from the following external resources: