Awareness & education

Meningitis Research Foundation estimates that there are around 3,400 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK and Ireland.

This means that every day nine people become ill with the diseases.  With one in ten people dying, a death will occur almost every day. A further two people will be left with life-altering after effects as severe as brain damage, deafness and multiple amputations.

The highest burden of meningitis in the world is in the Meningitis Belt of sub-Saharan Africa, where epidemics can strike up to a quarter of a million people in a single year, with tens of thousands of deaths.

Meningitis vaccines offer excellent protection, but they are not yet available for all forms. So it's vital to know meningitis symptoms and what to do if you suspect someone has meningitis or septicaemia.

What are meningitis and septicaemia?

Find out what causes meningitis and septicaemia

Who gets meningitis and septicaemia?

Anyone of any age can get meningitis or septicaemia, but various factors can increase the risk.


Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia

Meningitis and septicaemia can appear separately or together and have different symptoms.

Learn the symptoms and how to perform the Tumbler Test - it could save a life.  


Meningitis and septicaemia: UK facts and figures

Number and type of cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the UK

Meningitis prevention

Find out about the vaccines available for some forms of meningitis, who needs them and when.


After effects

Information and help for those dealing with the physical and psychological after effects of meningitis and septicaemia.


Counting the Cost

Counting the Cost is a major MRF campaign which reveals the shocking lifelong costs of surviving meningitis and septicaemia and calls on Government to pursue the widest and earliest implementation of vaccines to prevent the diseases.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to some of the most common questions and concerns regarding the disease.


Ask the Expert

Definitive answers from the experts

Helpline

Support and information if you're dealing with a case of meningitis and septicaemia.

Order Resources

Our range of award winning awareness information for the general public and health professionals can be ordered online here.

Useful links

Further information about meningitis and septicaemia.



Impact of Meningitis

MRF reports on the access to urgent hospital care and follow-up care, and the long-term impact of the illness on health and well-being.

Marcel Felimond

Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease at 36

How was I going to tell our two little boys that daddy had gone to heaven?


Ask the Expert
Can a newborn baby have meningitis?

Dr Paul Heath answers
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Robbie Coleman

MRF Scotland Medical Information Officer

Robbie Coleman

I channel my efforts into trying to prevent people suffering.

Ask the Expert
Why are babies more susceptible to meningitis and septicaemia?

Professor Nigel Klein answers
Current research
A syringe and vial

Examination of two meningococcal surface proteins as potential vaccine targets

The vital role of proteins in the search for a MenB

Ask the Expert
Why are MRF continuing to fund MenB research?

Professor Christoph Tang answers