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Meningitis

Background

Meningitis is a condition in which inflammation of the meninges (lining) of the brain and spinal cord occurs due to a bacterial, viral or, rarely, fungal infection. The bacterial form is life threatening. Fungal meningitis also tends to be severe while the viral form is usually less so.

Prevention in the form of safe and effective vaccines against some forms of meningitis are now available. A primary course of conjugate Hib, meningococcal C and pneumococcal vaccines is given between eight and sixteen weeks of age. Boosters are given at twelve and thirteen months. Mumps vaccine is part of the MMR vaccine, the first of two doses being given at thirteen months old. BCG vaccine against tuberculosis is offered to all children and babies who are felt to be at higher risk.

What are the symptoms? View What are the symptoms?

Medical text written February 2001 by Dr D Elliman and Dr H Bedford. Last updated October 2006 by Dr D Elliman, Consultant in Community Child health, Islington Primary Care Trust, London, UK and Great Ormond Street hospital, London, UK and immunisation Co-ordinator, Islington Primary Care Trust and Dr h Bedford, Senior lecturer, Centre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, institute of Child health, London, UK.

 

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