Meningitis

Meningococcal (Invasive) disease is an infection caused by meningococcus bacteria. Many people (approximately 10-20% of the population) carry the bacteria at the back of their throat or nose without any ill effects. In rare instances, meningococcal bacteria overcome the body’s natural defenses and cause serious illness, including meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or a widespread infection in the body involving blood and multiple organs. 

Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and laboratory testing.

Symptoms occur two to 10 days (usually three to four days) after exposure and may include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, dislike of bright lights (photophobia), confusion, drowsiness, a small purplish rash, irritability or excessive crying in young children. Severe cases can result in coma and, if untreated, shock and death. 

The infection is spread to other people through direct contact with droplets from the nose or throat (saliva) of an infected person. Kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, water bottles, cigarettes or lipstick can spread the disease. 

In some cases, people may be carrying the bacteria and not be affected by it, but they may still pass it onto other people. The infection is not acquired by simply being in the room as an affected person or breathing air where an affected person has been. 

Although the disease can occur at any age, the highest risk for infection is among children under one year of age, with the next highest risk among teenagers 15-19 years of age. 

There are effective antibiotics for the treatment of meningococcal infection. Consult with your health-care provider. Treatment should be started as soon as infection is suspected.

Health-care providers, hospitals, laboratories and some institutions are required to report cases to Public Health. Public Health staff may investigate to find out how the infection occurred, identify other people who are at risk of infection (i.e. close contacts of individuals infected with meningococcal disease), provide advice as necessary and implement control measures (preventative antibiotics and vaccination).

Most cases are unexpected and cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce your risk by not sharing drinks, eating utensils, lipsticks, cigarettes, etc. with anyone who is known to be infected. If you have been in direct contact with a person ill with a meningococcal infection, you should see a doctor to receive the recommended antibiotic. This will help prevent the development of the disease. A person with meningococcal infection should be excluded from schools, daycares, workplaces or other public settings. 

Practice good personal hygiene. Regular and frequent hand washing with soap and warm water. 

Vaccines are available to prevent many types of meningococcal disease. A meningococcal group C vaccine is offered free of charge to babies 12 months of age. A meningococcal vaccine that offers protection against four strains (groups A, C, Y, W) is offered to adolescents (Grade 9 students) and people with certain health problems. People wishing to be vaccinated but who are not eligible for publicly funded vaccine should consult their family physician.

For additional information, contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.