And Cuba has manufactured a vaccine against the B strain, which it says is effective. An international team is investigating the vaccine. But he says countries have to balance an immunisation programme against other health priorities. Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues which cover the brain and spinal cord. Most cases in the UK and Ireland are caused by bacteria or viruses.
Bacterial meningitis is generally more serious.
While meningococcal disease is the main cause of bacterial meningitis, there are many other types including pneumococcal, Hib, Group B streptococcal and others. Meningococcal septicaemia is a type of blood poisoning which is caused by the same bacteria that cause the most common form of bacterial meningitis. It is the more life-threatening form of the disease. With septicaemia, the bacteria release toxins into the blood, which break down the walls of the blood vessels allowing blood to leak out under the skin. This leaking causes marks on the skin - a rash of red or brownish pin prick spots which develop into purple bruises, blood blisters or blood spots.