HERE are four main types of bacterial meningitis: meningococcal, pneumococcal, streptococcal' and haemophilus influenzae, type b (Hib). Within meningoeoccal meningitis there are three strains: Group A (which is uncommon here), Group B (the most common here) and Group C (responsible for about a third of cases).
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) usually affects children under school age, but it is now very rare due to the introduction of the Hib vaccine. Pneumococcal meningitis is uncommon; however, it has a high mortality rate of around 20 per cent. Group B streptococcal and listeria can be contracted by new-born babies. Although rare, fatality can be as high as 50 per cent.
Viral meningitis is not usually life threatening, although there is often a long recovery period. It can be caused by a wide range of viruses, including the mumps virus. In a serious case the symptoms will be similar to those of bacterial, meningitis.
Meningococcal septicia is a very serious blood infection which is potentially fatal. It can appear with or without meningitis. Once the bacteria enters the bloodstream they can multiply and cause widespread damage to the lining of the blood vessels, allowing blood to leak from the vessels. This leads to a fall in blood pressure, impaired heart function and failure of many organs of the body. It is initially characterised by a rash of tiny pink spots developing later into larger, purple, bruise-like marks. If a glass is pressed firmly against a septicaemic rash, the rash will remain visible through the glass.
Antibiotics are the main form of treatment for meningitis and septicaemia. Upon suspecting a case of bacterial meningitis or septicaemia, a doctor should give an injection of benzyl penicillin. It kills meningitis causing bacteria and stops them from multiplying. It is considered most effective if is administered as soon as recognisable symptoms appear.