Meningococcal Meningitis
Symptoms
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitis. Meningitis is a serious and reportable disease.
If you think someone you know might have meningitis, see your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
Meningitis should be diagnosed by a physician and confirmed by a laboratory test (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, joint, pleural or pericardial fluid)
How to tell if someone has meningitis
People with meningitis are usually very sick. They may have a high temperature, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, joint pain, and often a rash of tiny red-purple spots or bruises that can be anywhere on the body.
Mode of transmission
Meningitis is spread by droplet or direct contact with an infected person, including that person’s nasal and/or throat discharge. Casual contact with an infected person, such as being in the same classroom or sitting at the same table, doesn’t increase the risk of infection. People who have had close contact with someone who’s infected with bacterial meningitis may need antibiotics to prevent infection.
Incubation period
The incubation period varies from two to ten days after contact with an infected person or carrier.
How long are people contagious?
A sick person can spread the disease up to seven days before symptoms begin, while they’re ill, and until 24 to 48 hours after treatment begins.
Exclusion from school
Children with meningitis don’t often feel well enough to attend school or child care, however they should stay home until no longer infectious, regardless of how they feel. They are no longer considered infectious 48 hours after treatment begins.
Prevention
There is no vaccine that protects against all causes of meningitis. There is a vaccine for some types of bacterial meningitis, such as meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis. The Meningococcal-C vaccine is routinely given to babies who are 12 months of age in Ontario. The Meningococcal Conjugate-ACYW 135 vaccine is routinely given to children in grade 7 in Ontario. A meningococcal vaccine may also be given to people who have a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease (for example, if they have a medical condition). There is no vaccine for viral meningitis. If you are unsure of your immunization status, contact your health care provider.
How to prevent the spread of meningitis
Meningitis is spread when people cough, sneeze or kiss. It can be spread through the saliva of an infected person when sharing items such as toothbrushes and water bottles.
In general, people should:
- not share anything that has been in their mouth
- wash their hands often
- cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing
- dispose of any used tissues
Sections have been adapted with permission from Ottawa Public Health.
