It can be caused by several different germs, mainly bacteria and viruses. Bacterial meningitis is quite rare, but it can be very serious and needs urgent treatment with antibiotics. If bacterial meningitis is diagnosed early and treated promptly, most people make a full recovery. However, in some cases it can be fatal, or lead to permanent deafness and brain damage. A leaflet about the possible after effects is available from the Trust.
Meningococcal meningitis accounts for more than half the cases.
Some forms of bacterial meningitis affect new-born babies. The most common are E. Coli and group B. streptococcus. This type of meningitis is now very rare and has almost been eliminated by the Hib vaccine which was introduced programme in 1992 Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial. Although rarely life- threatening, it can severely weaken a person. Meningitis can be caused by many different viruses.