The bigger picture

Meningococcal disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium, of which there are 13 subtypes. Of these, five – A, B, C, W and Y – are responsible for nearly all cases of serious meningococcal infection.

Those affected by MenW are usually seriously ill, and the mortality rate is higher than for the more common MenB and MenC strains. The infection is fatal in five to 10 per cent of cases, and survivors may develop severe long-term complications, including hearing loss, severe visual impairment, communication problems, limb amputation, seizures and brain damage. Complications occur in about seven per cent of people with meningococcal meningitis.

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can include fever, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, muscle pain, skin rash, headache, stiff neck, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and convulsions or seizures. A baby or young child may refuse to feed, be unresponsive, have an unusual and high-pitched cry and have a bulging fontanelle on the top of their head.

Prompt recognition and hospital treatment are key to a full recovery, otherwise permanent neurological damage may occur.

Meningitis can also be the result of a viral infection. While this is more common than bacterial meningitis, it is also considerably less serious, often being mistaken for a cold or flu. Viral meningitis is more common during the summer months and in children. Meningitis can also result from a fungal infection or exposure to a chemical, although both are extremely rare.