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Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection affecting the brain and spinal cord. There are different groups of meningitis – A, C, W, Y and B are the most common. The UK childhood vaccination schedule includes vaccinations against these five groups, as infants and young people are more vulnerable. Most meningitis infections in the UK are caused by the B and C groups.
Sudden fever, intense headache, nausea, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights. A non-blanching rash appears as the infection worsens.
How do you catch Meningitis B ?
Meningitis is spread by coughs, sneezes or contact with someone who has the infection. It usually occurs in epidemics and can affect any age group. It can spread quickly in large crowds or in communal living areas (e.g. universities).
Incubation period
2 – 10 days
Diagnosis
Confirmed by testing blood or spinal fluid for bacteria.
Prevention
Washing hands regularly, especially before eating; cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing; avoid sharing drinks/food/toothbrushes and other items used orally with anyone else. Ensure vaccinations are up to date. Vaccines offered against meningitis by MASTA are Men B and Men ACWY.
Treatment
Bacterial meningitis requires urgent treatment (antibiotics and fluids) in hospital. Without early treatment it can be fatal within hours.
Medical Director, MASTA
PhD MSc MBBS MRCGP FRCPCH FFPH FFTM RCPS(Glasg.) FRCP(Glasg.)
GMC No. 3115417Professor David Ross OStJ is the Medical Director of MASTA and has been associated with MASTA since 2005. He served 41 years in the Army, including over 10 years as senior advisor on public health to the UK Surgeon General. In 2012 he was appointed the Parkes Professor of Preventive Medicine, in 2014 an Honorary Queen’s Physician and in 2023 an Officer in the Order of St John.