Meningitis

Description
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the spinal cord. Meningitis may be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial meningitis is usually a more severe infection than viral meningitis. Two bacteria cause most of the bacterial meningitis in childhood. They are Haemophilus influenzae type b and Neiserria meningitidis (meningococci). Meningitis is diagnosed by lumbar puncture. This involves taking a sample of fluid from the spine. Symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, stiff neck and irritability. Older children may experience irritability, confusion, drowsiness, stupor or coma. Younger children and infants may have a high-pitched cry, a bulging of the soft spot on the top of the head (the anterior fontanelle) and convulsions. Often an infected child has recently had a cold or ear infection. The disease is spread through direct contact with droplets and discharges from the nose and throat. It usually requires several hours of contact with an infected person to become infected with the bacteria. Children can become severely ill with meningitis very quickly.


Incubation Period
Short, usually less than one week.


Infectious Period
As long as bacteria are present in the nose and throat. In the case of viral meningitis, as long as the virus is present in the stools.


Controlling the Spread of Infection
A child with bacterial meningitis is usually hospitalised. The child may return to the centre after being treated with antibiotics and when the doctor feels that the child is well and non-infectious. Make sure good handwashing procedures are being followed.


Treatment
A child with meningitis will probably be hospitalised. If the infection is bacterial, the child will be treated with antibiotics.


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Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is intended as a guide only. Wollongong Medical Centre is not liable for any problems that may arise from incorrectly or otherwise applying information found in this website.


Further General Information

The following web site has information on infectious diseases: www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/ or contact the Division of Population and Planning on 4255-2200.

For information on a large range of medical conditions and problems visit www.mayoclinic.com