Advice sheet on Meningitis
What is Meningitis?
'Meningitis' means inflammation of the brain lining. It can be caused by several different types of germs which are not connected with each other. Some are called bacteria, some are called viruses.
Bacterial meningitis is generally less common, more serious and needs urgent treatment with antibiotics.
Viral meningitis is generally more common, less serious and cannot be helped by antibiotic treatment.
It is often difficult to tell the difference between bacterial and viral meningitis without hospital tests.
How is it spread?
This germ lives naturally in the back of the throat and spreads between people in droplets from the mouth and nose. It cannot live long outside the human body so it cannot be picked up from buildings or factories, water supplies or swimming pools.
The incubation period is between 2 and 10 days, most people carry the germ in their throats for days or weeks without becoming unwell. In fact, carrying the germ in this way helps to boost natural immunity.
It can be carried by people of any age but the disease develops mostly in children since they have less natural immunity than adults.
Why is there concern about Meningitis now?
In Norway, Holland, Spain, Iceland and Britain there has recently been an increase in one of the serious bacterial types of meningitis called meningococcal meningitis. This rise has been seen throughout Britain though outbreaks have been observed in several areas such as Stroud, Gloucester, Plymouth, Merseyside, Lanarkshire and South Wales.
It is still a rare disease but it can sometimes be serious enough to cause death. It can also cause permanent damage like deafness but with treatment recovery is usually complete.
How will I know if my child has meningitis?
SEVERE HEADACHE, NECK STIFFNESS AND FEVER
VOMITING (AND REFUSING FEEDS IN INFANTS)
DROWSINESS or CONFUSION leading to UNCONSCIOUSNESS
DISCOMFORT from BRIGHT LIGHT
RASH
Sometimes seen in this particular illness is a rash of tiny red-purple spots or bruises due to bleeding under the skin. This rash can occur anywhere on the body and is due to blood poisoning (septicaemia) which often goes with this type of meningitis.
The illness usually progresses over one or two days but can develop very rapidly.
Can anything be done to prevent it?
Vaccines are available against some strains of meningitis. Research world-wide continues into the development of vaccines against the other strains, and into better methods of controlling this serious illness.
Antibiotics are used to help prevent very close family contacts of a meningitis patient becoming ill. Other contacts such as schoolfriends or workmates are usually not at a higher risk. Unless a vaccine is available, there is no way yet known of stopping an outbreak, but it is sensible to observe normal standards of diet and hygiene and to avoid stuffy crowded places if feeling unwell.
What should I do if I think my child has Meningitis?
PLEASE CALL YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR AND ASK HIS ADVICE.