What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an acute infection of the meninges, the protective membranes that coat the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is classified as a medical emergency because the inflammation is so close to the brain and spinal cord, it might be life-threatening.

What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?

• fever
• having a headache
• stiffness in the neck
• nausea
• disturbed state of mind
• distinctive rash
• sleepiness
• insufficient nutrition
• irritation

What are severe consequences meningitis can drive to?

• becoming deaf
• epilepsy: neurological condition characterised by abnormal brain activity
• hydrocephalus: growth of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles (hollow places).
• cognitive impairments: a deterioration in a person's mental processes