This guideline covers recognising, diagnosing and managing bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) in babies, children and young people under 16. It aims to reduce deaths and disability by promoting early recognition of symptoms and timely effective management. For recommendations on antibiotic treatment for suspected and confirmed meningitis in babies of up to and including 28 days corrected gestational age who are in neonatal units, see early- and late-onset meningitis (babies in neonatal units) in the NICE guideline on neonatal infection: antibiotics for prevention and treatment.