Nursery World - Warning signs (2)

This deadly disease is examined in our A to Z series on child health by doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital Each year there are around 4,000 reported meningitis cases in the UK.

Each year there are around 4,000 reported meningitis cases in the UK.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes, or meninges, that cover the brain and spinal cord. A number of different viruses and bacteria can cause it. Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening, and those who recover may, despite prompt antibiotic treatment, be left with long-term damage.

Bacterial meningitis is most common in children under the age of five, although it can occur at any age. Viral meningitis is more common and considered less serious than bacterial meningitis. It generally affects children over the age of four.

There are many different kinds of bacteria that cause meningitis. The most important are meningococcus and pneumococcus. While less common, they are very serious, as once in the bloodstream the bacteria multiply rapidly and force the immune system to go into overdrive at a frightening speed.

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