What are meningitis and septicaemia?

What are the causes?

There are many different causes of meningitis and septicaemia. Different germs such as bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause meningitis and septicaemia if they invade the body.

• Bacterial causes are usually more serious than other forms.
• Viral meningitis is almost never life-threatening and viruses rarely cause septicaemia.
• Fungal meningitis is very rare in the UK and Ireland but is serious.  It usually only affects people with weakened immune systems.

How can I protect myself and my family?

There are vaccines available that protect against some of the most common causes of meningitis and septicaemia.  These vaccines have successfully reduced the number of cases throughout the world.   

However, there are still some causes of meningitis and septicaemia which are not vaccine preventable and some vaccines are not routinely provided in some parts of the world.

Being able to recognise the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia is vital because early recognition and treatment provide the best chance of a good recovery.