21 - 27 September 1998

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges - the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can have serious consequences, particularly for high risk groups. Teenagers and children under five are considered high risk groups. Meningitis kills 10% of those who contract the disease and causes disability, including hearing or visual impairment, in a further 15%. The disease is caused by different bacteria and viruses and most forms are highly infectious.

Bacterial Meningitis
The bacterial forms include meningococcal and pneumoccocal. Meningococcal accounts for more than half of the 2,000 reported cases in the UK every year. Bacterial meningitis needs urgent treatment with antibiotics. It can be accompanied by Septiceamia, a type of blood poisoning that causes a distinctive rash anywhere on the body.

Viral meningitis
This is more common than bacterial meningitis and is caused by many different viruses. It is not usually life-threatening but the symptoms are similar to bacterial meningitis.

How is it transmitted from one person to another?
At any one time, one in ten of the population carry the bacteria that can cause meningococcal meningitis or septicaemia. The germs live naturally in the back of the nose and the throat. They are spread through coughing or sneezing. In a few people the germs overcome the body's immune defences and pass through the lining of the nose and throat into the blood stream. In the blood, they can cause meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. It is not easy to identify the illness because the symptoms are similar to flu but the patient becomes seriously ill very quickly. Awareness of the disease's symptoms and an understanding of the need for early treatment is vital.

The National Meningitis Trust
The Trust raises funds for research into the disease's prevention, detection and treatment. It also works closely with families affected by meningitis and with the Health Education Authority to increase public awareness of the disease.

Throughout the campaign week, the Trust focuses on specific targets that aim to:

• Raise public and professional awareness about the nature and effects of the disease
• Increase the public's knowledge that early teatment is vital
• Provide continuing support for sufferers and their families

For more information contact:

The Meningitis Trust
Fern House
Bath Road
Stroud
Gloucester GL5 3TJ

Tel: 01453 751 738
Fax: 01453 753588
Support line 0345 538118

The Meningitis Research Foundation
13 High St
Thornbury
Bristol BS12 2AE

24 Hour Helpline 01454 413344