| Meningitis is an inflammation of the | | | | this bacteria in our noses and throats |
| membranes around the brain and spinal | | | | without becoming ill. The bacteria can |
| cord. It is caused by either a virus or | | | | be passed through kissing, sneezing and |
| bacteria.Viral meningitis is usually | | | | coughing. Only if the bacteria reaches |
| mild and does not require medical | | | | the blood stream does the person |
| treatment. Bacterial meningitis however | | | | contract meningitis and/or septicaemia - |
| can be life-threatening and can come on | | | | most people who get meningitis will also |
| very quickly. Children under five are | | | | get septicaemia.Mercifully, meningitis |
| most likely to be affected and sadly | | | | and septicaemia cases are quite rare. |
| some of these will die.There are several | | | | However, it is important to know the |
| types of bacteria that can cause | | | | symptoms as early treatment is |
| meningitis, the most common being | | | | vital.SymptomsHigh temperature - above |
| meningococcal bacteria. Most of carry | | | | 99. |