Meningitis can strike quickly, but its impact can last a lifetime. We know that meningitis and septicaemia can turn your world upside down, leaving many victims with after-effects.
There are many different strains of meningitis in the UK and many different causes for these, most commonly viruses and bacteria.
Meningococcal disease
There are approximately 1,500 reported cases of meningococcal disease each year in the UK. This is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis and can also cause septicaemia.
Viral Meningitis
Many different viruses can cause meningitis. Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and, although rarely life-threatening, it can make people very unwell.
Pneumococcal meningitis
This type of bacterial meningitis mainly occurs in babies and young children under 18 months of age. The elderly and people with conditions that affect their immune systems are also at increased risk.
Group B streptococcal
Group B streptococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia in young babies. Up to 50% of babies may be left with after-effects.
TB meningitis
Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, infection usually begins elsewhere in the body, usually the lungs. Unlike other types of bacterial meningitis, TB meningitis usually develops slowly with vague symptoms.
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