Meningitis

Types of meningitis include:

Bacterial meningitis is very serious and needs urgent treatment with antibiotics.  Any bacteria has the potential to cause meningitis.  In the UK the most common is the meningococcal bacteria followed by the pneumococcal bacteria.  The meningococcus has five main groups, A, B, C W135 and Y.  Groups A and Y rarely cause disease in the UK.  Group B accounts for the highest number of cases.  Group C accounts for the majority of the remaining cases and is the main cause of clusters or outbreaks of the desease.  In recent years group W135 has caused a small number of cases.

Viral meningitis is more common that bacterial meningitis.  It is rarely life-threatening, but it can make people very weak.  Viral meningitis can be caused by many different viruses eg coxsackie and herpes simplex.  Some are spread by coughing, sneeaing or through poor hygiene.  Contact with a person who is suffering from viral meningitis does not increase an individual's chances of developing the disease, although the initial virus (e.g chicken pox) is infectious, this does not mean that the virus will eventually cause meningitis.

Fungal meningitis is extremely rare and is caused mainly by the cryptococcal fungus.  It usually only occurs in people whose immune system has been severely weakened by disease (e.g. AIDS or leukaemia).

How bacterial meningitis is caught

The bacteria are very common and live naturally in the back of the nose and throat. They are normally spread between people in close and prolonged contact by coughing, sneezing and intimate kissing.  Bacteria do not live for very long outside the body, so they cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools or buildings.  People of any age can carry the bacteria for days, weeks or months without becoming ill and carrying the bacteria can help to make you more immune to meningitis.  Occasionally they overcome the body's defences and cause meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia.

Meningitis is not a common ailment but if suspected it needs urgent attention.  The symptoms can be easily confused with flu or a bad cold, especially in babies and young children.  If you are unsure seek medical advice.

Septicamemic Rash

Patients with septicaemia often develop a rash which may start anywhere on the body as a cluster of tiny blood spots, which look like pin-pricks in the skin.  If untreated, these blood spots will join to give the appearance of fresh bruises.  The "glass test" can be used to see if a rash might be septicaemic.  If you press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly onto the spots or bruises they will not fade.

Symptoms in Babies:

High temperature, fever, possibly with cold hands and feet.
A high-pitched moaning cry, different from normal.
A baby may be difficult to wake or lethargic.
Repeated vomiting - not just after feeds.
Blank, staring expression.
Pale, blotchy complexion.
A baby may be floppy, may dislike being handled, be fretful.
The soft spot on the head (fontanelle) may be tense or bulging.

What should you do?

If you suspect meningitis contact your GP immediately.  Describe the symptoms carefully; mention that you think it might be meningitis.  If your doctor is not available go straight to the Accident & Emergency Department and insist on seeing someone.

If it is meningitis early treatment with antibiotics is vital