What are the symptoms of meningitis and is there a vaccine?

"Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. It can be very serious if not treated quickly. The cause of the infection - either a certain bacteria or virus - can be determined by tests."

"Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. It can lead to blood poisoning or sepsis, and can affect the brain. This acute, severe infection is known as invasive meningitis. It means the infection has invaded into the blood stream or brain linings."

"Some people can carry bacteria in their nose without getting sick, but can spread it to others through coughs and sneezes. The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common. It's possible to get meningitis more than once."

A meningitis outbreak in Kent resulted in two deaths: a year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham and a University of Kent student, both aged 18-21. The UK Health Security Agency identified 13 cases with meningitis and septicaemia symptoms between Friday and Sunday in Canterbury. Health authorities are distributing antibiotics preventively to other students. Meningitis, an infection of protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, most commonly affects teenagers and young adults. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more severe than viral meningitis, potentially causing blood poisoning, sepsis, and brain damage. Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, vomiting, and confusion. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. The specific meningitis strain remains unidentified.

Read at www.bbc.com