What causes Meningitis B?

It may cause local epidemics in college dormitories, boarding schools and military bases. A vaccine can help prevent infection. Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus). Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacterium was once the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children. read more

A bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was a common cause of meningitis in babies and young children until the Hib vaccine became available for infants. There are also vaccines for Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. read more

There are different types of this bacteria and the most common is known as type B – what is often referred to as “meningitis B”, or MenB. MenB most commonly affects children under the age of one, causing symptoms including fever, poor feeding, vomiting and lethargy. It can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can lead to the telltale purple rash. read more