Meningitis B is caused by the bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis Group B. There are several different types of this bacteria, but group B is responsible for 80% of cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Although it can affect any age group, the incidence of Meningitis B is highest in children under 5 years of age, especially the under 1 year. A second peak in incidence occurs in teenagers between 15 to 19 years of age.

Transmission

1 in 10 adults and 1 in 4 teenagers carry group B bacteria at the back of their throat. The bacteria can be spread through respiratory droplets by coughing, sneezing or by kissing.

Vaccine Schedule

Signs and Symptoms

Meningococcal infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), septicaemia (blood poisoning) or both. Symptoms can develop within hours and can be non-specific. It is much harder to identify the infection in babies as the typical features tend to be absent. The rash does not always occur. In children and adults symptoms can include:

• sudden onset of a high fever
• a severe headache
• dislike of bright lights (photophobia)
• vomiting
• painful joints
• fitting
• drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma

In babies there may also be:

• high pitched moaning or whimpering
• blank starring, inactivity, hard to wake up
• poor feeding
• neck retraction with arching of the back
• pale and blotchy complexion

Septicaemia occurs if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. A characteristic rash develops and may start as a cluster of pinprick blood spots under the skin, spreading to form bruises under the skin. The rash can appear anywhere on the body. It can be distinguished from other rashes by the fact that it does not fade when pressed under the bottom of a glass (the tumbler test).