What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal
cord---also called the meninges. It can be caused by viruses, parasites,
fungi, and bacteria. Viral (aseptic) meningitis is common; most people
recover fully. Medical management of viral meningitis consists of supportive
treatment and there is usually no indication for the use of antibiotics.
Parasitic and fungal meningitis are very rare. Bacterial meningitis
is very serious and may involve complicated medical, surgical, pharmaceutical,
and life support management.
There are two common types of bacteria that cause meningitis:
• Strep pneumoniae
causes pneumococcal meningitis;
there are over 80 subtypes that
cause illness
• Neisseria meningitidis–meningococcal meningitis; there are 5 subtypes
that cause serious illness–A, B, C, Y, W-135
What are the
symptoms?
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop
over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter
of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have:
•Severe
headache
•High
temperature
•Vomiting
•Sensitivity
to bright lights
•Neck
stiffness, joint pains
•Drowsiness
or confusion
*In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple
spots or bruises caused by bleeding under the skin. These can
occur anywhere on the body. They are a sign of blood poisoning (septicemia),
which sometimes happens with meningitis, particularly the meningococcal
strain.
How serious is bacterial meningitis?
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people
make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person
may be left with a permanent disability, such as deafness, blindness,
amputations or brain damage (resulting in mental retardation or paralysis)
even with prompt treatment.
How is bacterial meningitis spread?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious
as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread
by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with
meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses
and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are
spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking
containers, utensils or cigarettes).
The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead most people
become carriers of the germ for days, weeks or even months. Being a
carrier helps to stimulate your body’s natural defense system.
The bacteria rarely overcomes the body’s immune system and causes
meningitis or another serious illness.
What is the risk of getting bacterial meningitis?
The risk of getting bacterial meningitis in all age groups is about
2.4 cases per 100,000 population per year. However, the highest risk
group for the most serious form of the disease, meningococcal meningitis,
is highest among children 2 to 18 years old.
How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms
and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood. Spinal fluid is
obtained by a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit
the number of persons you kiss.
Vaccines against pneumococcal disease are recommended both for young
children and adults over 64. A vaccine against four meningococcal serogroups
(A, C, Y, W-135) is available. These four groups cause the majority
of meningococcal cases in the United States. This vaccine is recommended
by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in
dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85-90%).
It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection
site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within 7 to 10 days
after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to 5 years.
What should you do if you think you or a friend might have
bacterial meningitis?
Seek prompt medical attention.
For more information
Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional
health department office are excellent sources for information on all
communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department
or Regional Texas Department of Health office to ask about meningococcal
vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the web sites
for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov and
the Texas Department of Health: www.tdh.state.tx.us.
