Effects of Meningitis
The bacteria only rarely give rise to meningococcal disease, but when they do infection spreads rapidly and is fatal in about 10% of cases. If disease is diagnosed early and treated promptly most people make a full recovery.
About 1 in 8 people who recover experience some long term effects. These can include headaches, stiffness in the joints, epileptic fits, deafness and learning difficulties.
More top news
Thousands run final mile of Boston Marathon
Thousands of runners joined victims' families of the Boston Marathon bombings to run and walk the last mile of the race on Saturday.
Richard Taylor on Woolwich suspect Michael Adebowala
Richard Taylor OBE, father of murdered schoolboy Damilola, has spoken to ITV News about how he mentored Woolwich suspect Michael Adebowala.
Family of murdered soldier pays emotional tribute
The family of murdered soldier Lee Rigby paid tribute to him on Friday as detectives continued an investigation into his killing.