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Welcome to the Meningitis Knowledge Centre...

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the meninges, a system of membranes that surround the brain and spine.  It is mainly caused by bacteria and viruses but may occasionally be caused by fungi and amoebae. Many people who develop bacterial meningitis also develop septicaemia (blood poisoning), which occurs when bacteria enter the blood stream, multiply rapidly and release toxins.  Septicaemia occurs most often with meningococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.  Meningitis and septicaemia are life-threatening diseases that require urgent medical attention and immediate treatment with antibiotics.

Meningitis and septicaemia are two separate diseases but are often associated with each other.