Childhood Diseases and Illnesses
Meningitis
Description/Symptoms
- Caused by both bacteria and viruses.
- An infection of the membranes and fluid covering the brain and spinal cord.
- Symptoms have a rapid onset and severity. They include: fever, headache, stiff neck (unwillingness to move head up and down), nausea, vomiting, sometimes a rash, confusion, irritability and drowsiness.
- Viral meningitis:
- Is usually mild and less serious. The virus is found in the feces and respiratory discharges.
- Complications are rare and most people get better on their own. Antibiotics are not useful in treating or preventing viral meningitis.
- A person may be admitted to hospital for observation and a spinal tap to rule out bacterial meningitis.
- Bacterial meningitis:
- Is more severe
- The three most common bacteria to cause this are Haemophilus influenza B, Neisseria meningitides and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- These bacteria are spread through nose and throat discharges of a healthy person.
- It is spread by people who are not sick but carry the bacteria.
- When a person is ill with bacterial meningitis they require hospitalization and antibiotic treatment.
Instructions for Schools
- Report immediately to Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.
- There are no specific control measures or follow up for contacts of viral or Streptococci pneumococcal meningitis.
- For contacts of meningitis due to haemophilus influenza B or neisseria meningitides, Peel Public Health will advise a specific antibiotic and/or vaccination, if necessary.
- Close contacts are persons living in the same household or those who may have shared saliva with the case (e.g. kissing, sharing toys, foods, drinks.
- Meningitis is not highly contagious and therefore is not easily spread.
- Avoid activities that would result in sharing saliva.
- Encourage thorough hand washing and respiratory etiquette.
- Remember to protect the confidentiality of the student by not disclosing a diagnosis to concerned parents and/or colleagues. If contact follow up of those exposed is required Peel Public Health will contact those who are at risk.
Notes
- Not all forms of meningitis are contagious.
- • Vaccines are available which protect against some forms of meningitis, but not all. Neisseria meningitides Serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 are vaccine preventable. Serogroup C vaccine is given as part of the childhood immunization schedule
- School and workplace are not considered high risk.
- Peel Public Health offers free vaccine to all Grade 7 students through the Meningitis Grade 7 Immunization Program.
Disclaimer:
Peel Public Health is not responsible for the content of the linked websites and the information presented there
