Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is more common and usually less serious. It is not helped by antibiotic treatment and patients get better on their own. Bacterial meningitis requires treatment with antibiotics as soon as possible. A lumbar puncture is performed in hospital in suspected cases to work out what sort of meningitis someone may have. During a lumbar puncture a small quantity of fluid is taken from the bottom of the back where there is no risk of damaging the spinal cord.

Bacterial meningitis is caused by a number of different germs. In young children the most common type used to be caused by a germ called Haemophilus influenzae. There is a vaccine available against this and all children are now offered this during their first four months. After the first year of vaccine availability the number of cases of this type of meningitis fell by 75% and it is now very rare. The type of meningitis that hits the headlines is caused by a germ called Meningococcus-this can be rapidly fatal.

There are other germs that affect adults and older children. All these germs are carried by some normal people in their nose and throats and we do not know why they suddenly cause problems for a few.

Adults and youngsters may have different symptoms. Children and adults typically get severe headaches, vomiting, fever, and later on become confused with a stiff neck and drowsiness. The light may hurt their eyes. Babies and toddlers may be irritable, fretful, have a high pitched cry, refuse food or be difficult to wake properly. Later on they become drowsy, floppy or even unconscious and if things have got to this stage it is best to rush them straight to the nearest hospital with a casualty department. The most dangerous form of meningitis (meningococcal) can come on very quickly. It may produce a rash that starts as crops of purple pinpricks that can enlarge to form large purple blotches. The important thing is to call your doctor straight away if you are worried, as the earlier treatment is started the better. However, please try to keep things in perspective. At the Ridgeway we would expect to see approximately one case of meningococcal meningitis every three or four years. A headache and temperature does not mean that you must automatically see the doctor-do take into account the child's general condition!