*Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the lining surrounding the brain. It can be caused by many different organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi.

*Symptoms may not always be easy to spot at first and can be similar to that of the flu. They may develop over one or two days but sometimes in a matter of hours.

The incubation period for bacterial meningitis is between two and 10 days and for viral meningitis can be up to three weeks. Symptoms do not appear in any particular order and may not appear at all. It is important to remember that other symptoms may occur.

*Symptoms in babies may include high temperature, fever possibly with cold hands and feet, vomiting or refusing feeds, high pitched moaning, whimpering cry, blank staring expression, pale, blotchy complexion, baby may be floppy, may dislike being handled, be fretful, difficult to wake or lethargic, and the fontanelle (soft spots on babies heads) may be tense or bulging.

*Symptoms in children and adults may include high temperature, fever, possibly with cold hands and feet, vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea, severe headache, neck stiffness, joint or muscle pains, sometimes stomach cramps with septicaemia, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, fits, and the person may be confused or disoriented.

*If someone is ill and you suspect meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia contact your GP immediately. Describe the symptoms carefully, mention that you think it might be meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia.

If your doctor is not available go straight to the A&E and insist on seeing someone.

If it is meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia, early treatment is vital.

*People who have come into close contact with the patient require antibiotics. School friends or colleagues are rarely at a higher risk.

The patient will have come into contact with other people during the incubation period.

These people are deemed as casual contacts and they are not at any increased risk.