What is bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is caused by a bacterium.It is an inflammation
of the meninges, the thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord.
What is the difference between bacterial and viral
meningitis?
Essentially, there are two distinct types of meningitis: bacterial
(caused by a bacterium) and viral (caused by a virus). Bacterial meningitis
is comparatively rare, but by far the most dangerous and often fatal.
How is bacterial meningitis
transmitted?
Between 10% and 25% of people carry the bacteria responsible for bacterial
meningitis in the back of the nose and throat region. When they cough and
spray those bacteria into other people s breathing space whose immune systems
are not producing protective antibodies, the bacteria can easily get into
the bloodstream and travel to the meninges, causing bacterial meningitis.
The bacteria can not live outside the body for long so they can not be picked
up from water supplies, swimming pools buildings or factories.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can contract bacterial meningitis, but those most at risk are
children under five, teenagers, young adults and older people. Most cases
are isolated and not related to another case or "outbreak."
How severe is bacterial
meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis can be extremely serious. It is fatal in one
in ten cases and can kill in just 24 hours.
Are there different types of bacterial
meningitis?
Yes, the three main types of bacterial meningitis are meningococcal,
pneumococcal and Haempohilus influenzae type b (Hib).
Meningococcal meningitis is the most common type of bacterial meningitis,
accounting for more than half of the cases, and can further be broken down
into three strands, commonly referred to as A, B and C. Types A and C are
common in college students, but type B is the worst strand of bacterial
meningitis. Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by a different bacterium than
the meningococcal type. Hib, which was recently a major cause of bacterial
meningitis, has now almost been eliminated by the vaccination of
infants.
What symptoms should I look for?
Common symptoms of bacterial meningitis are headache, stiff neck,
fever and rash. The rash can begin on any part of the body. It looks like
small clusters of tiny pin pricks at the beginning. These quickly develop
into areas of skin damage. They are purple in color and will not turn white
when pressed. The development of the rash is important to watch for in that
it is a key indicator of blood poisoning (septicemia). If it is seen, it
is absolutely vital that the sufferer is taken to the nearest Emergency Room
without delay.
What makes bacterial meningitis so
dangerous?
Bacterial meningitis can be dangerous for two reasons. First, it is
relatively rare; therefore, we may not consider the possibility of contracting
meningitis and may ignore early symptoms and signs. Also, the disease can
be deceptive. A person may appear to suffer from the cold or the flu.
A child in our neighborhood who has recovered from bacterial meningitis
has just returned home from the hospital. Should I keep my children away
from this child?
No, a person who has recovered from bacterial meningitis was given
strong medication while in the hospital. Therefore, he/she will not carry
the bacteria that cause the disease.
My child s classmate has contracted bacterial meningitis. Should
my child receive antibiotics?
When a case of meningitis is diagnosed, a public health doctor or
your child's pediatrician should ensure that all those who need antibiotics,
either in a school or wider community, are contacted.
Are there any long-term effects for the survivor of bacterial
meningitis?
Yes, to name a few, a bacterial meningitis survivor may experience
general tiredness, depression, recurring headaches, learning difficulties,
brain damage, epilepsy, eyesight problems and deafness.
How Is bacterial meningitis
treated?
Antibiotics and supportive care are essential to stop the progression
of the disease.
Are there any precautions I can take to protect my child from
contracting bacterial meningitis?
Apart from vaccines there is no known way to protect against meningitis.
A vaccine is available for meningococcal meningitis Groups A and C (the strains
contracted most often by college students), but it is not effective against
the worst type of bacterial meningitis, type B, and it does not work in children
under age two. A lifestyle that helps keep the immune system as strong as
possible is very important. Make sure your child gets adequate rest, appropriate
exercise and maintains a balanced diet. Knowing the signs and symptoms of
bacterial meningitis is one of the best forms of defense against the deadly
disease. It can be treated with powerful antibiotics, but they work best
when given as soon as possible. It is important to know what to look for
and get medical help quickly.
For more information about meningitis, please go to
Meningitis
Symptoms in Young Children and
The
Facts about Meningitis. or contact the Meningitis Foundation
of America, by calling 1.800.668.1129 or visiting them on the web at
www.musa.org
