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Meningitis, which is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, is a deadly disease that can kill in hours.

Septicaemia is the blood poisoning form of the disease.

The three meninges (membranes) that cover the surface of the brain and spinal cord are the pia mater, the arachnoid and the dura mater

The inflammation of the meninges, known as meningitis, can happen to people of all ages but is serious in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

It is caused by meningococcal or streptococcal bacteria or viruses, but most epidemics of meningitis are triggered by the meningococcal bacteria.

Viruses that can cause meningitis include enteroviruses, herpes, simplex virus type 2, varicella zoster virus, mumps virus, HIV and LCMV.

Meningitis may also occur as the result of many non-infectious causes, including spread of cancer to the meninges and certain drugs. It may also be caused by several inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis and connective tissue disorders.

The bacteria are spread through contact with respiratory secretions by coughing, sneezing and kissing. Covering your nose or mouth when you sneeze or cough and washing and drying your hands can help reduce the chance of spreading the bacteria, although one in five people carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat without getting sick.

The meningococcal disease can appear as meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning). Although it is possible to suffer from both forms at the same time, the septicaemia form is more dangerous and can kill within hours since the bacteria attacks the bloodstream.

Vaccinations are in three doses with six weeks apart and the jabs do hurt and may not work in about 25 percent of cases.

The common features of most types of meningitis are severe headache, fever, vomiting, stiff neck, delirious, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness and high temperature.

Before the days of antibiotics and sulphonamides, meningitis was a dreaded disease causing permanent damage to hearing and the brain. It is advisable to avoid crowded places and sharing food or drink.

When meningitis is suspected, a lumber puncture is performed under local anaesthetic. A long thin needle is inserted into the base of the patient’s spine and some cerebrospinal fluid is drawn off. The fluid circulates around the brain. Tests on this fluid would confirm which type of germ is responsible.

Chloramphenicol and penicillin are the two antibiotics most commonly used, depending on the bacteria involved.

Recovery from meningitis is usually good, with complete return to normal health after a few weeks, but it is a dangerous disease because some people die and some survive with serious disability.