Key Information
When is World Meningitis Day
October 5th
Meningitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This form is the deadliest
Bacterial meningitis
Quick prescription of these drugs is helpful in treating bacterial meningitis
Antibiotics
This procedure is performed to extract CSF from the spinal canal of the lower back
Lumbar puncture / spinal tap
The meninges surround and protect these 2 structures of the central nervous system
Brain and spinal cord
Coughing, sharing drinks, and kissing are examples of how meningitis can spread through this method
Close contact
One of several symptoms affecting the head and mind
Confusion, extreme drowsiness, headache, sensitivity to light, stiff neck
Meningitis can be lethal within ___ hours
24
When vaccinated, your immune system creates these to protect against future infection
Antibodies
There are 3 layers of meninges: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and _______
Pia mater
When bacteria live in the nose/throat without infecting someone, they are known as this
A carrier
The glass test is used to assess this symptom, which can appear anywhere on the body
Rash
CIMBL uses which test to detect pathogens causing meningitis
BioFire Meningitis/Encephalitis PCR Panel
This vaccine is given at age 14 with a second dose 2-6 months later
Meningococcal B
This liquid flows in the subarachnoid space and is infected by pathogens, leading to meningitis
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Most people fully recover from bacterial meningitis but this proportion suffers from after-effects
1 in 5
As a critical test, CIMBL aims to report results in ___ hours after receipt of the sample
4
The brand name of the Meningitis B vaccine offered by Public Health
Bexsero
The recent outbreak in March 2026 that affected mostly university students occurred in this English county
Kent
This secondary condition occurs when the body reacts to fighting the meningitis infection, resulting in damage to tissues and organs
Sepsis / septicaemia