Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord . It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Symptoms of meningitis
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.
When to get medical help
Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.
Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.
If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.
More information
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is providing daily updates on the ongoing invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent. Click here to read them. The NHS website also has information about meningitis.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have also produced two videos about meningitis. Click the links below to watch.