What is the difference between meningococcal meningitis and bacterial meningitis

The rash is caused by blood leaking from the damaged blood vessels into the tissues underneath the skin. The rash can start anywhere on the body. It begins as tiny red pin pricks, but may quickly develop to look like fresh bruising. The Glass Test can be used to see if the rash might be septicaemia. If you press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly onto the spots or bruises, they will not fade. A rash will not always appear with meningitis and can be one of the last symptoms to be displayed.

Never wait for a rash if you suspect meningitis. If someone has septicaemia alone, the common signs of meningitis, such as a severe headache or neck stiffness, may not be present.

The early signs and symptoms of septicaemia include:. Septicaemia can progress very quickly, resulting in severe shock and, in some cases, death within hours. If septicaemia is suspected, urgent medical help is needed. If you have identified signs and symptoms and someone's general health is deteriorating, you need to act quickly. The following links are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia:.

Bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. When there is a case of meningococcal disease there is a slightly increased risk of the disease spreading to the household and kissing contacts of a primary case.

Antibiotics are given to kill any meningococcal bacteria which may be carried at the back of the throat of the contact and prevent any further transmission. These antibiotics are not a form of prevention. It is still important to look out for signs and symptoms. Vaccines are available to prevent some types of meningitis and most of these are available as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule.

However, not all types of meningitis can be prevented by these vaccines. The majority of people will make a full recovery, but some people may be left with after-effects from both bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis.

After-effects include:. The toxins that are released during septicaemia cause damage to blood vessels. This can prevent the vital flow of blood and oxygen to major organs and can result in after-effects such as:.

We can help you today. We are dedicated to supporting people after meningitis and have a wide range of specialist services. They are all free, with no waiting lists and our support is for life. Home Meningitis explained What is meningitis?

The symptoms of bacterial meningitis often get mistaken for the flu, which can make diagnosis difficult. The best way to protect yourself from bacterial meningitis is to get vaccinated. Haemophilus influenza type b, or Hib, vaccination is recommended for all children younger than 5 years old in the U. Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis, and usually less severe.

Most cases of viral meningitis are caused by enteroviruses , but other common viruses such as measles , mumps, and chicken pox, as well as some viruses spread through mosquitos or other insects, can also lead to the disease. It often resolves on its own, without specific treatment, although it may be treated with antiviral medication. The enteroviruses that cause viral meningitis can also spread through eye, nose, and mouth secretions, or blister fluid, Cathey says. To prevent viral meningitis , wash your hands thoroughly and often, avoid direct contact with someone who has the disease, and make sure you have been vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox.

A parasite called Naegleria fowleri is the source for primary amebic meningoencephalitis PAM , a very rare type of parasitic meningitis. This form of the disease causes a brain infection that progresses rapidly — one to 12 days on average, Cathey says — and is usually fatal. In fact, of the 31 confirmed cases of PAM in the U. Standard meningitis symptoms appear one to seven days after infection, potentially followed by confusion, loss of balance, seizures, hallucinations, and lack of attention to your surroundings.

Naegleria fowleri has been detected all over the world in warm freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs , soil, warm water discharged from industrial sources, poorly treated swimming pools, and water heaters. The microscopic organism enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain where it begins to destroy brain tissue.

A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis. It is important to know the specific cause of meningitis because the treatment differs depending on the cause. Meningitis caused by bacteria can be deadly and requires immediate medical attention.

Vaccines are available to help protect against some kinds of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis caused by viruses is serious but often is less severe than bacterial meningitis. People with normal immune systems who get viral meningitis usually get better on their own.

There are vaccines to prevent some kinds of viral meningitis. Meningitis caused by fungi is rare, but people can get it by inhaling fungal spores from the environment. People with certain medical conditions, like diabetes, cancer, or HIV, are at higher risk of fungal meningitis.

Various parasites can cause meningitis or can affect the brain or nervous system in other ways. Overall, parasitic meningitis is much less common than viral and bacterial meningitis. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis PAM is a rare and devastating infection of the brain caused by Naegleria fowleri. Naegleria fowleri is a free-living microscopic ameba that lives in warm water and soil.