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WHAT IS MENINGITIS?

(And other Frequently Asked Questions)

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the brain lining.

The inflammation may be caused by infection, or may be caused by a non infectious irritant to the meninges.  The two most common forms of meningitis are Bacterial and Viral.  Meningitis should not be confused with encephalitis which is inflammation of the brain itself.

Bacterial Meningitis

If bacterial meningitis is diagnosed early and treated promptly, most people make a full recovery. However, in some cases it can be fatal, or lead to permanent handicaps like deafness and brain damage. To read more information on Bacterial meningitis read the Bacterial Meningitis Fact Sheet.

Some forms of bacterial meningitis affect new-born babies. The most common are E Coli and group B streptococcus. These forms are rare and often referred to as Neonatal meningitis. To read more information on Neonatal meningitis read the Neonatal Meningitis Fact Sheet.

Meningococcal meningitis and particularly the group B strain, is the most common bacterial form. Meningococcal meningitis accounts for more than half the cases.

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) meningitis was the most common bacterial form in infants. This type of meningitis is now very rare and has almost been eliminated in the United States by the Hib vaccine which was introduced in to the routine immunization program in 1985. To read more information on Meningococcal and Hib meningitis read their Meningitis Fact Sheet.

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial. Although rarely life-threatening, it can severely weaken a person. Viral meningitis can be caused by different viruses. Some are spread between people by coughing or sneezing, or through poor hygiene. Other germs can be found in sewage polluted water.

Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics and treatment is based on good nursing care. There are some promising new treatments on the horizon.  Recovery is normally complete, but headaches and tiredness and depression may persist.

In mild cases or viral meningitis, people would not even go to the doctor or MD. However symptoms are similar to the bacterial form. Someone with severe symptoms will need to be admitted to hospital for tests to find out if it is bacterial or viral meningitis. If you are worried, GET MEDICAL ADVICE !!

To read more information on Viral meningitis read the Viral Meningitis Fact Sheet.

How is Bacterial Meningitis Spread ?

wherebuglives.jpg (21489 bytes)Anyone of Any age can get meningitis.

The germs that cause bacterial meningitis are very common and live naturally in the back of the nose and throat. People of any age can carry these germs without becoming ill. It is only rarely that they overcome the body's defenses and cause meningitis.

They spread between people by coughing, sneezing and kissing, but they cannot live outside the body for long so they cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings or factories.

 

What is Septicemia ?

Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicemia (blood poisoning) as well as meningitis. Septicemia is partially associated with the meningococcal form. The bacteria enter the body from the throat and travel via the blood. In some cases the germs multiply uncontrollably in the bloodstream and in the meninges develops at the same time, causing both septicemia and meningitis.

Septicemia can develop quickly. A rash appears under the skin. This starts as a cluster of tiny spots, which look like pin-pricks in the skin. If untreated, they get bigger and become multiple areas of obvious bleeding under the skin surface, like fresh bruises. The rash can appear anywhere on the body - even behind the ears or on the soles of the feet. it will be more difficult to see the rash if you have darker skin. The spots or bruises do not turn white when pressed. The rash MUST be taken seriously and a doctor should be called immediately.

To read more information on Meningococcal Septicemia read the Meningococcal Septicemia Fact Sheet.

How Is Meningitis Treated ?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis. They are also prescribed for immediate family members or any others who are in very close contact with a patient with the meningococcal strain.

Antibiotics are not used for viral meningitis.

Can Anything Be Done To Prevent Someone Else Getting Meningitis ?

No - apart from vaccines there is no known way to protect against meningitis.

However, only very close household contacts of the patient are at increased risk of contracting meningitis.

Other contacts such as school friends and co-workers are only very rarely at higher risk and do not normally need special treatment or investigation.

Stopping smoking helps your health generally and research has indicated that it may reduce the chances of getting meningitis in the family.

To read more information on meningitis prevention read the Prevention of Meningitis Fact Sheet.

What Should You Do if You Think It Might Be Meningitis ?

What About Immunization ?

As yet there is no vaccine against the most common strain of the meningococcal germ, Group B. The Hib vaccine is already in routine use in America and is very effective, but does not protect against the other types of germs.

There is also vaccine against some of the rarer types of the meningococcal groups A & C. When there are connected cases of meningococcal A or C infection in a school, college or university, some people may be offered this. Unfortunately at the moment it does not work in small children, who are most at risk from the rarer strain.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.