Please take a few moments to read the Meningitis Awareness information below as the number of cases increases at this time of year.
The HSE stress the importance of being aware of the symptoms and visiting a GP as quickly as possible should there be any concern. They also urge students to contact their GP should they need any further information.
Introduction
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges (the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
The infection is most commonly caused by bacteria or a virus, and it leads to the meninges becoming inflamed (swollen). This can damage the nerves and brain. Less common causes of meningitis are parasites and fungi.
Meningitis causes symptoms such as:
• severe headache
• vomiting
• high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or over
• stiff neck
• sensitivity to light
• a distinctive skin rash (although not everyone will develop this)
Symptoms can differ in young children and babies. See Meningitis - symptoms for more information.
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is very serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. If the bacterial infection is left untreated, it can cause severe brain damage and infect the blood (septicaemia)
Meningococcal group B disease is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in Ireland. The MenB vaccine protects against Meningitis B disease. The vaccine has not yet been introduced into the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule but is available privately from a General Practitioner.
It is essential to know the signs and symptoms to look for and get medical help if you are worried about meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is most common in children who are under five years of age, and in particular in babies under the age of one. It is also common among teenagers aged 15 to 19 years.
Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common and less serious type of meningitis. It is difficult to estimate the number of cases of viral meningitis because the symptoms are often so mild that they are mistaken for flu.
Viral meningitis is most common in children and is more widespread during the summer months.
Meningitis caused by parasites or fungi
Both parasites and fungi can cause meningitis, but these type of infections are not common. Individuals with weakened immune systems may be at increased risk of these diseases.
Outlook
Viral meningitis usually gets better within a couple of weeks, with plenty of rest and painkillers for the headache.
Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics (medication that treats infections caused by bacteria). Treatment will require admission to hospital, with severe cases treated in an intensive care unit so that the body's vital functions can be supported.
Meningitis caused by parasites or fungi need specific treatments (anti-parasitic or anti-fungal).
Several decades ago, almost everyone who had bacterial meningitis would die. Nowadays, deaths are mainly caused by septicaemia (blood poisoning) rather than meningitis. Meningococcal disease (the combination of meningitis and septicaemia) causes death in around one in 10 cases.
Up to a quarter of people may experience complications, such as hearing loss, after having bacterial meningitis (see Meningitis - complications).
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Septicaemia (blood poisoning)
Septicaemia (another name for blood poisoning)refers to a bacterial infection of the blood.
Useful Links
• Meningitis
• http://www.meningitis.org/
• http://www.meningitis-trust.ie/
• Health A-Z: men C vaccine
• Health A-Z: pneumococcal infections