The latest outbreak in Britain was caused by meningococcus group B (also called MenB), or in particular, Neisseria meningitidis Group B.

It mostly affected adolescents and young adults.

At least two people died.

Many of the cases were linked to a nightclub the affected young people frequented.

It is considered a localised cluster because it was confined to Kent in Canterbury, England.

Doctors were surprised by the speed of the spread, however.

Meningitis means inflammation of your meninges, which are the three tissues that cover your brain and spinal cord.

They usually protect your brain and spinal cord, and contain nerves, blood vessels and cerebrospinal fluid.

When they get inflamed, they can become swollen and press on your brain and spinal cord, which may lead to the typical symptoms of meningitis.

In Britain, it is now routine to vaccinate babies and teenagers against meningitis under the National Health Service (NHS).

This has been happening since 2015.

In Malaysia, it is not a routine vaccination provided by the Health Ministry (which means it is not given for free under the National Immunisation Programme).

However, meningococcal vaccines are available in private clinics.

There are vaccines available for different age groups, i.e.:

• One for babies from six weeks old
• One for babies from 12 months old up to adulthood
• One for toddlers from two years old up to adulthood.

It is also routinely given for pilgrims who are going on the Haj. This is covered under Tabung Haji.

If you are at high risk for meningitis, e.g. children or adults going to an endemic area (such as the Middle East) or people who live in closed communities, it is highly recommended that you get yourself and/or your children vaccinated.

As they are adolescents and young adults, it is likely that they were not vaccinated before the 2015 NHS start of meningococcal vaccinations.

During the outbreak, many young adults were queueing at local clinics to be vaccinated.

Many had to be turned away.

Infectious meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The bacterial type is the most dangerous. N. meningitidis is a bacteria.

Other bacteria that can cause meningitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae (yes, the one that also causes pneumonia), Haemophilus influenzae (HiB) and Group B streptococcus.

It is spread through these ways:

• Contagion from person to person

   

  A person can carry the bacteria or virus in their noses or throat.

  The bacteria in particular, cannot survive long in air.

  But when you have close contact, such as when you share household items or kiss, it can spread to the other person.

  This can easily happen in crowded places like dormitories.

• Contaminated food
• Environment (fungus).

That’s just the infectious meningitis variety.

Meningitis can also be caused by your meninges getting inflamed by other conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases (like systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE), brain injury, brain surgery or certain medications.

You are more at risk of meningitis if you are in certain age groups, like infants (because of their lower immunity), teenagers and college adults (because they tend to live in dorms and groups), and seniors over 65 years of age.

A stiff neck is one of the symptoms, yes.

But other symptoms resemble common viral infections.

Early on, you may get fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and fatigue.

Most people think they are getting the flu at this stage.

But meningococcal meningitis can get worse very quickly.

Within hours, you can develop the stiff neck, your headache can worsen and you may have fits.

You may also experience confusion and have a rash that does not fade when it is pressed.

You may not have all these symptoms at the same time though.

Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening, so you must seek treatment as soon as possible.

Untreated, it is usually fatal.

Even when you treat it, there is a 10% to 20% risk of death.

So, this is a disease that must be taken very seriously as the pressure on your brain and spinal cord can build and build.

Viral meningitis is less life-threatening and can go away on its own within a week.

It depends on the cause.

If you have bacterial ­meningitis, you need intravenous (IV) antibiotics and steroids.

Viral ones need supportive care, while fungal ones need antifungal medications.

Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, ­computers and entertainment. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.