This CKS topic covers the primary care management of suspected acute bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children and adults. It also covers how to manage close contacts of a person with confirmed bacterial meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia.

The topic is based mainly on the NICE clinical guideline ‘Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia’ (published in 2010), the SIGN clinical guideline ‘Management of invasive meningococcal disease in children and young people’ (published 2008) and the ‘Guidance for public health management of meningococcal disease in the UK’, published by the Health Protection Agency (updated in January 2011).

The target audience for this CKS topic is healthcare professionals working within the NHS in England, and providing first contact or primary healthcare.