Meningitis: the signs

Meningitis is usually bacterial or viral, and occasionally is due to fungal infections, although almost any microbe can cause it.

Viral meningitis can be very unpleasant but it is almost never lifethreatening and most people quickly make a full recovery.

However, bacterial meningitis is more serious and can be caused by a range of different bacteria.

While most people with meningitis recover, it can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.

There are several strains or ‘groups’ of meningococcal bacteria such as A,B, C, W, X and Y.

The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than a rash, while neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion are also signs to look out for.