THE FACTS ABOUT BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
In Compliance With Texas Education Agency Mandates
by Wynell Meeks
October 10, 2007
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 you should 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 and the Texas Department of State Health
Services.
