She was to be farewelled in a private service at midday today at the Fairview Conference Centre, Wairau Valley, North Shore.
There are four different types of meningitis, bacterial, viral, amoebic and fungal.
The symptoms are similar for each, but the causes, treatments and outcomes all vary.
Bacterial meningitis is fatal and the most common types are Meningococcal disease (meningococcal meningitis and/or meningococcal septicaemia)
Pneumococcal meningitis.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the membrane lining of the brain and spinal cord. It usually refers to infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other micro organisms such as parasites.
There are various strains of meningococcal meningitis, the most common in New Zealand being B and C, with babies, young children, teenagers and young adults at the greatest risk. There is no vaccine available for either in New Zealand, and antibiotics are the most effective form of treatment.
According to the Meningitis Foundation, death occurs in 5 per cent of cases, while about 20 per cent are left with permanent disabilities.
Pneumococcal meningitis is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord caused by the pneumococcal bacteria
Viral meningitis is unlikely to cause death and is an uncommon complication of viral illnesses, including herpes.
Amoebic meningitis is classified as a "very rare" infection and is caught from stagnant water in waterholes and in poorly chlorinated swimming pools, especially when the water temperature rises above 30°C.
Children can become infected when contaminated water is forced up the nose.
Fungal meningitis is also rare and usually only occurs in people struck down by Aids, leukaemia, or as a result of drug therapy.
