Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia: NICE guideline (Clinical guidelines CG102)

This guideline offers best practice advice on the care of children and young people younger than 16 years with bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia. Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the surface of the brain (meninges) by bacteria that have usually travelled there from mucosal surfaces via the bloodstream. Meningococcal septicaemia – or blood poisoning – occurs when the bacteria in the blood multiply uncontrollably. Meningococcal disease can appear as meningococcal meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia, or a combination of both. Full guidance and a quick reference guide are available plus: - NICE Guidance written for patients and carers Audit support Costing statement Baseline assessment tool Slide set Other information and a section on how this guidance was produced