Bacterial Meningitis

What you need to know to protect yourself

What is bacterial meningitis?

• Infection of a person's spinal cord fluid and the fluid that surrounds the brain

• Two common types: 1. Viral - caused by a virus, less severe

then bacterial meningitis and resolves without specific treatment

2. Bacterial – caused by a bacteria, quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities or death

Is there a treatment?

• Antibiotics – main treatment for bacterial meningitis

• This does not always prevent death

How might I get bacterial meningitis?

• After intimate contact with an infected person

• It is transmitted through droplets of respiratory and throat secretions

- kissing, sharing toothbrushes or eating utensils, coughing, frequently eating or sleeping in the same dwelling as an infected individual

How do I know if I have it?

The infected person may have any of the following:

• Stiff neck• Headache• Fever• Nausea/vomiting• Confusion• Drowsiness• Discomfort looking into bright lights• Seizures (in later stage)

Who is at risk?

• Anyone living in communal living conditions, such as in dormitories and military barracks

• Persons with immune deficiencies, chronic illnesses and upper respiratory infections

• Anyone exposed to cigarette smoke • Persons taking in high alcohol consumption • Low socioeconomic status individuals• Babies, during the first year of life • Persons between the ages of 15 -24 years

old

Why am I at risk?

• Living in dormitories• May develop an upper

respiratory infection• Age group: 17 – 24 years old• Exposed to persons at risk

during mission trips, evangelizing, and day to day activities

How can I prevent getting it?

• Reduce stress• Get 7-9 hours of sleep a night• Hand washing • Keeping hands away from mouth and face• Don’t smoke• Don’t share utensils or toiletry equipment • Eat balanced meals• Avoid high alcohol consumption• Get vaccinated (best prevention)

What is the Meningococcal vaccine?

• Two types

1. Menomune (Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine or MPSV4)

2. Menactra (Meningococcal conjugate vaccine or MCV4)

Both give immunity to bacterial meningitis.

Menomune

• First developed (1982)• Immunity lasts approximately

three to five years • Recommended for children 2 to

10 years old and adults over 55, but can also be used if Menactra is not available

• Cost varies

Menactra

• Newer vaccine

• Claims to induce a better and longer-lasting immune response than Menomune

• Preferred vaccine for people 11 to 55 years of age

• Cost varies

How can I get vaccinated?

• At University Medical Services (subject to availability) – Call to schedule an appointment (7862)

• May contact family physician to obtain vaccine

• May obtain vaccine at local health department

Additional Resources

• To find out more about meningitis visit the following websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htmhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000608.htmhttp://www.meningitis.org/

• To find out more about the meningitis vaccines visit the following website:

www.cdc.gov/nip