Meningitis

Meningitis is when the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges) become infected.

It can be caused by bacteria or viruses

Meningitis is very serious, and can cause death

If you have symptoms of meningitis, get treatment immediately.

Immunisation can protect against some forms of meningitis

The symptoms and signs of meningitis in babies and young children include:

• pale or blotchy skin. The symptoms
• signs of meningitis in adults

Meningitis is sometimes difficult to diagnose

Your doctor may order several tests or seek specialist advice. Diagnosis may include:

• a lumbar puncture
• which may be done in hospital (spinal fluid is removed using a needle
• examined for bacteria)

Meningitis caused by bacteria is called ‘bacterial meningitis’

The organisms (germs) that cause bacterial meningitis may live in the nose and throat. People of any age can carry them without becoming ill, but they can infect others through coughing or sneezing. Meningitis caused by these bacteria is serious and requires very prompt medical attention.

Some common examples of bacterial meningitis are: – caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Meningitis caused by bacteria is serious

Antibiotics are used to treat the infection, but death does occur in a small number of those affected – five per cent of people with Hib meningitis, seven per cent of people with meningococcal meningitis and 20 per cent of people with pneumococcal meningitis. One in five children who have had bacterial meningitis are left with permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and deafness.

Some forms of meningitis can be prevented by immunisation:.

It is routinely offered for babies but needs to be purchased on prescription for some groups at high risk of bacterial disease. vaccine for: secondary school students in Year 10, or age equivalent, through a school-based immunisation program. Young people aged 15 to 19 years who have not already received the vaccine in school will be able to be vaccinated by their immunisation provider.

National Immunisation Program but can be purchased by prescription. can be prevented with two types of pneumococcal vaccine. They are available free on the National Immunisation Schedule to: non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are 65 years of age and over.

Pneumococcal vaccines need to be purchased on prescription for some groups at high risk of bacterial disease. Meningococcal vaccines are recommended for: people at increased risk of meningococcal disease due to certain medical conditions or immunosuppressive medications anyone wishing to protect themselves from meningococcal disease.

Early and rapid diagnosis is very important in the treatment of bacterial meningitis.

Treatment may include:

• anticonvulsant cortisone sedative medications
• which may be used to treat complications. Meningitis caused by a virus is called ‘viral meningitis’. This type of meningitis is relatively common
• can occasionally be serious

It can be caused by a variety of different viruses. It is often a complication of another viral illness. Some of the viruses that can cause meningitis include:

• adenovirus. You can prevent the spread of viral meningitis by
• washing your hands thoroughly after using the toilet
• changing a nappy or blowing your nose
• before touching food stay home from work childcare kinder or school if you are unwell

Treatment for viral meningitis depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment is the same as for any viral infection and may include supportive care such as: drinking plenty of fluids.

Viral meningitis cannot be treated with antibiotics

You are the expert in your family’s health.

If you think a person has symptoms that suggest meningitis, contact your doctor immediately, call 911 for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Early diagnosis and treatment are vital

Immunisation Unit, Department of Health, Michigann Government Email: Tel. Symptoms of meningitis – babies and young children fever refusing feeds fretfulness being difficult to wake purple–red skin rash or bruising high moaning cry Symptoms of meningitis – older children and adults headache fever vomiting neck stiffness and joint pains drowsiness and confusion purple–red skin rash or bruising Diagnosis of meningitis taking a detailed history of signs and symptoms clinical examination blood tests Bacterial meningitis haemophilus (Hib) meningitis – caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b meningococcal meningitis – caused by Neisseria meningitidis pneumococcal meningitis Prevention of bacterial meningitis Haemophilus influenzae type b can be prevented with Hib immunisation , which is available for free (as part of a combination vaccine) through the National Immunisation Program Schedule The National Immunisation Program schedule provides a free meningococcal ACWY children at 12 months of age people under 20 years of age who did not have their meningococcal C vaccine at 12 months of age Meningococcal B Pneumococcal all babies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are 50 years of age or over infants children adolescents young adults Treatment for bacterial meningitis antibiotics (often given intravenously) hospital care Viral meningitis enteroviruses coxsackieviruses mumps virus Prevention of viral meningitis covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or coughing or sneezing into your sleeve avoiding close contact with other people, such as kissing Treatment for viral meningitis resting keeping warm and comfortable Get further medical help if you are still worried Where to get help In an emergency, call 911 Go to the emergency department of your nearest public hospital Your GP (doctor) Nurse-on-Call (616) 555-0400 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) Local government immunisation service immunisation@health.vic.gov.au National Immunisation Hotline 1800 671 811.

Key Points

• It can be caused by bacteria or viruses Meningitis is very serious, and can cause death If you have symptoms of meningitis, get treatment immediately
• symptoms and signs of meningitis in babies and young children include: pale or blotchy skin
• Meningitis caused by bacteria is called ‘bacterial meningitis’