Meningitis

What is it ?

Meningitis is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the meninges – the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Small children are especially vulnerable to this disease.

Disease transmission

Bacterial (“meningococcal”) meningitis is caused by a bacterium (Neisseria meningitidis) that is transmitted by droplets of mucus from the mouth and nose of an infected person. It is therefore spread by direct person-to-person contact.

Close, prolonged contact (by hugging or kissing, coughing or sneezing on another person, sleeping in a dormitory, living in an enclosed space, etc.) facilitate transmission of the infection. The risk of contracting the disease is much higher among children under age 5 and adolescents age 15 to 19.

Geographic risk zone

Meningitis can occur at random anywhere on earth.

Symptoms description

The incubation period for meningitis varies from 2 to 10 days, but is generally 3 or 4 days. You may then show the following symptoms:

Sudden, severe headache
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Photophobia (excessive sensitivity to light)
Stiffness in the neck
Neurological symptoms (lethargy, delirium, coma and convulsions)
Newborns and infants: extreme irritability or lethargy

Health impact

Bacterial meningitis is a real medical emergency. If it is not treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, it can cause permanent brain damage and even result in death.

Risks

Without treatment, one out of every two persons infected will die as a result of the disease.
Even if treated promptly with antibiotics, 5% to 10% of victims will not survive meningitis.
20% of victims who survive serious infection will show evidence of neurological after-effects once they have are cured.

Prevention

Some vaccines can prevent meningitis. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that travellers consult a travel health specialist before they go abroad. Your specialist will be able to advise you about various resources and options available so that you can protect yourself effectively.

Five vaccines against bacterial meningitis are licensed in Canada. The vaccine is administered in a single dose and provides protection for 5 years. Certain specifics apply to travellers making the Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Infants can be vaccinated once they are 2 months old.

Vaccination : meningitis

Yes

Recommended products

None

Nota Bene

Quite a few people may become infected by the pathogen yet show no overt symptoms, even though they are carrying the meningococcal bacteria and can still transmit the disease.
Meningococcal disease (meningococcemia) is a less frequent but much more serious form of meningitis. Symptoms include hemorrhaging and rapid changes in the cardiovascular system. Meningococcal disease is fatal in numerous cases.