The word ‘meningitis’ strikes fear into the hearts of parents. The disease occurs when there is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone and can kill within hours. Children under five account for half of all meningitis deaths. 

Bacterial meningitis is particularly dangerous. Meningitis-causing bacteria can double in number every 20 to 30 minutes. If they enter the bloodstream, they can cross the blood brain barrier and cause swelling of the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord.