Meningitis

Meningitis is where the mucous membrane linings (or meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord are inflamed, due to contracted bacteria (bacterial meningitis) or viruses (viral meningitis). This can occur because there are no white blood cells in the areas surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis most commonly affects young children, young adults between the ages of 17 and 25, and those over the age of 55, turning the immune system against the meninges, making them swell, and adding pressure on the skull. This can disrupt normal brain functions. The Hib vaccine, preventing haemophilus, has greatly reduced the amount of meningitis cases worldwide.