Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the tissues that cover the brain
(hence the name). The inflammation is often due to an infection. The infection
may be due to a virus, a bacteria, or other agents. If the infection is from
a bacteria called "meningococcus," the disease is called "meningococcal meningitis."
What is meningococcal disease?
There are a number of types of the meningococcus bacteria, and all can cause
severe illness. Most people who come in contact with the bacteria do not have
symptoms and do not become sick. Sometimes this bacteria can overcome the body's
defences and cause illness. For some people (especially adolescents and young
adults, children, and those with certain medical problems) meningococcus can
cause:
- meningococcal meningitis - an infection that affects the spinal
fluid and the lining around the brain
- meningococcemia or meningococcal septicemia - an infection
of the blood
- other diseases such as pneumonia
Antibiotics are successful 9 out of 10 times when treating this infection.
However, people may have a permanent disability such as hearing loss, paralysis
or the loss of part or all of a limb. The infection can cause death. Meningococcal
disease is not new. There are cases of meningococcal infection in the United States and
the rest of the world every year.
How is meningococcal disease spread?
Some people carry the meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat. They
can pass it to others by contact with the droplets from their nose or mouth.
To catch the infection, you must have very close contact with someone infected
with the meningococcal bacteria. It does not spread as easily as other infections,
such as the common cold or flu.
What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?
Symptoms of meningococcal infection may include:
- fever
- headache
- nausea and sometimes vomiting
- weakness and drowsiness
- stiff neck or joint pain
- eye discomfort when looking at bright lights
- reddish-purple, tiny spots or a bruise-like skin rash (in combination with
other symptoms, this is cause for serious concern)
Young children may also be sleepy, irritable, or cry excessively. In winter,
other viruses cause some of these same symptoms. Meningococcal infections are
usually more severe than these other viruses, and may get worse quickly. If
you have these symptoms, see your doctor, health clinic, or closest emergency
room immediately.
How can meningococcal infection be prevented?
When a case of meningococcal infection is reported, public health officials
will attempt to notify people who have been in contact with the nasal or mouth
secretions of the infected person. They will be offered a special antibiotic
to prevent them from becoming ill. Even though the antibiotic is very good at
preventing disease, it is very important to contact your doctor if you become
ill after contact with a case of meningococcal infection. You may reduce the
spread of this germ if you:
- wash your hands frequently
- keep your hands away from your mouth and nose
- cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough
- use only your own plates, knives, forks, and glasses
- avoid sharing things like cigarettes, water bottles, lip gloss, and glasses
or cups
- reduce casual kissing
Is there a vaccine to protect against meningococcal disease?
There is a vaccine that protects against some strains of meningococcal infection.
It does not work in children younger than 2 years of age. The following people
(over age 2) are at an increased risk of infection or of having a more severe
meningococcal infection, and should get the vaccine:
- people without a spleen or a spleen that is not working properly due to
disease
- some people who work with the meningococcal bacteria in laboratories
- people who are living in, or traveling overseas to countries at high risk
for meningococcal disease
Sometimes, immunization may be recommended if there is an increase in the number
of cases of disease in certain age groups or communities.