MeningitisMeningitis

Created By: VSU Student Created By: VSU Student Health Center Nursing StaffHealth Center Nursing Staff

What is Meningitis?What is Meningitis?

Infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain

Viral or BacterialEtiology is important because of the

seriousness of the illness and the treatment needed

Viral MeningitisViral Meningitis

Usually clears up in a week or two with no specific treatment

Common; rarely serious infection of fluid in the spinal cord or fluid that surrounds the brain

Also called aseptic meningitis

Causes of Viral MeningitisCauses of Viral Meningitis

Caused by a number of different virusesmosquito-borne virusesoccasionally seen after strep throat in young

adultscommon intestinal viruses account for half of

U.S. cases per year

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms

Usually occur one week after exposureFeverHeadacheStiff neckTirednessRashSore ThroatVomiting

Treatment and PreventionTreatment and Prevention

No specific treatment for viral meningitisAntibiotics do not work on virusesPay careful attention to personal hygieneGood hand-washing helps prevent spread

of infection and viruses

Bacterial MeningitisBacterial Meningitis

A serious infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain

Results from bacterial invasion of membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord (meninges)

Meninges become swollen and inflamed, leading to classic s/s of meningitis

Causes of Bacterial MeningitisCauses of Bacterial Meningitis

Three common bacteria:Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)Neisseria meningitidis

Causes Meningococcal Meningitis

Streptococcus pneumoniae Causes Pneumococcal Meningitis

How do people get Bacterial How do people get Bacterial Meningitis?Meningitis?

Bacteria are spread through direct contact with secretions from the nose or throat of an infected person

None of the bacteria that cause meningitis are very contagious

Not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the same air where the person infected has been

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms

Under Age 2 Fever Headache Stiff neck Inactivity Vomiting Poor feeding Seizures

May be hard to detect in infants

Over age 2 High fever Headache Stiff neck Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light Confusion Sleepiness Petechiae that spreads

rapidly seizures

Diagnosis & TreatmentDiagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosed via lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

Check for bacterial growth in the spinal fluid

Antibiotic administration based on bacteria found

Close contacts identified and treated alsoEarly diagnosis and treatment important

Potential ComplicationsPotential Complications

Advanced bacterial meningitis can lead to brain damage, coma, and death

Survivors can suffer long-term hearing loss, mental retardation, paralysis, and seizures

VaccinationsVaccinations

Hib vaccine (3 doses by 6 months of age and a booster between 12-18 months of age)

Meningococcal vaccine not routinely given to civilians in U.S. because most outbreaks occur in Africa

Pneumococcal vaccine ineffective in persons under age 2Recommended for all

persons over age 65 with certain medical problems

Travel PrecautionsTravel Precautions

Check with your local health department if you are planning to travel outside the country.

If meningococcal vaccination is recommended or required, it should be received at least one week before departure if possible.

SourceSource

American College Health Association, Baltimore, MD (2007) www.acha.org/meningitis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007). www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm.