Activity 2: Invasion of the bad bacteria - Text only

Hi. I am going to show you what happens if bad bacteria invade our bodies and cause meningitis and blood poisoning. This bad bacteria is called meningococcus.


The bad bacteria enter our bodies through the nose and mouth. The nose keeps the air we breathe in moist and clean. It is lined with mucous which traps dust and micro-organisms. Bacteria could live at the back of our throats for weeks or months without making us ill.


When the bad bacteria invade they trick our body by releasing a chemical… The bad bacteria then invade the blood.


When the bad bacteria enter the blood they will double in number around every 30 minutes. The outer coating of the bad bacteria release poisons into the blood. Our body will try to fight the bad bacteria and their poisons with white blood cells. At this time we will start to feel ill and may have a high temperature, feel sleepy and be sick. These bad bacteria can cause meningitis and blood poisoning.


We have special layers surrounding the brain which help to protect it. These layers are called the meninges. If the bad bacteria make it to the meninges they will cause meningitis.


We may now have a very bad headache, dislike bright lights, have a stiff neck and feel confused.


The outer coating of the bad bacteria release poisons into the blood. Our bodies try to fight the bad bacteria and their poisons with white blood cells.


While the white blood cells are fighting the blood vessels can get damaged and our body will not be able to repair them. Blood leaks out of the blood vessels and causes the rash you see with blood poisoning.


We may now have a high temperature with cold hands and feet, be sick, have a rash, have diarrhoea, tummy and muscle pains because of blood poisoning.

Meningitis and blood poisoning can happen on their own, but most people will have meningitis and blood poisoning together.


If you think someone has meningitis or blood poisoning it is an emergency. See a doctor quickly!


Some people with meningitis and blood poisoning can die, but most will make a good recovery.