Meningitis

Meningitis means inflammation of the meninges, the lining of the brain. It can be caused by several different germs, mainly bacteria and viruses. Bacterial meningitis is quite rare but it can be very serious and needs urgent treatment with antibiotics.

Different Types of Meningitis

There are two main types of the diesase: bacterial and viral. Of the two, bacterial meningitis is the most serious, although quite rare.

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is always associated with serious and severe illness.

There are two main bacterial forms: Meningococcal and Pneumococcal. Meninogococcal Meningitis and particularly the group B strain, is the most common form in the UK, accounting for over half the cases. Group C strain can now be effectively prevented with a recently-developed vaccine.

What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis?

Vomiting

High Temperature

Violent or severe headache

Neck Stiffness

Dislike of bright lights

Drowsiness, Lethargy

Joint Pains

Fitting

Rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass

Call a doctor immediately if someone has this rash.

The rash is a very late sign of meningitis and means that the patient requires immediate treatment.

Confusion

Loss of consciousness

Very cold hands or feet

With two or more of these symptoms consult your G.P. to eliminate a diagnosis of meningitis. Meningitis is not easy to identify at first because the symptoms are similar to those of flu.

Recognising the symptoms early could mean the difference between life and death. Someone with meningitis will become very ill quickly. The illness may progress over one or two days but it can develop quickly and sometimes in just a few hours the patient will become seriously ill. Not all these symptoms will show at once.

How does bacterial meningitis spread?

Bacterial meningitis is caused by several types of bacteria which live naturally in the back of the nose and throat. People of any age can carry these germs without becoming ill.

Bacteria can spread between people by coughing, sneezing, and kissing. It is only rarely that this bacteria overcomes the body's defences and causes meningitis. The bacteria cannot live long outside the body so cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools or buildings.

How is bacterial meningitis treated?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis. If meningoccal disease is suspected by the G.P. the patient should have penicillin, by injection, before being admitted to hospital.

Antibiotics are also prescribed for immediate family / household members or any others who have been in very close contact with the person, in the week before the onset of illness. The aim is to reduce carriage by the closest contacts. Only very close household contacts of the patient are at an increased risk of contracting meningitis. Other contacts such as student friends or work mates are only very rarely at higher risk and do not normally need special treatment or investigation.

Stopping smoking helps your health generally and research has indicated that it may reduce the chances of getting meningitis in the family.

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and much less dangerous. Although rarely life threatening, it can be very debilitating, and can cause you to feel very unwell.

What are the symptoms of viral meningitis?

The symptoms for viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are very similar, but are usually milder with viral meningitis. However, in the early stages of the illness it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two, so it is always best to seek medical advice in case urgent treatment is needed.

How does viral meningitis spread?

Bacterial meningitis is caused by several types of bacteria which live naturally in the back of the nose and throat.People of any age can carry these germs without becoming ill.

Bacteria can spread between people by coughing, sneezing, and kissing. It is only rarely that this bacteria overcomes the body's defences and causes meningitis. The bacteria cannot live long outside the body so cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools or buildings.

How is viral meningitis treated?

Treatment is usually rest and pain killers and most people tend to make a full recovery within two-weeks without being admitted to hospital.
No treatment is required for people you have come into contact with in the case of viral meningitis

If you suspect you or a friend have meningitis

The most important thing to remember is to follow your instincts and act fast. If you think something is wrong, immediately contact your medical centre or GP, or go to your nearest A & E Department

If you have a confirmed diagnosis of meningitis, you should also inform one of the following individuals at the University

Your Head of School
Eleanor Kehoe, Deputy Director, Office of Student Affairs (Student Support) tel: 020 8331 8784
Accommodation Manager if you are in halls
Your Campus Head of Student Affairs

It is really important to look out for your own and others’ welfare with regard to signs and symptoms and seek medical advice.

What would the University do in a case of Bacterial Meningitis?

We would liaise with the Medical Service/NHS to ensure that effective arrangements are in place, that information on meningitis is available, and take direction from the medical specialists regarding following up close contacts. Sometimes the Meningitis C vaccination or antibiotic therapy may be given. Meningococcal disease is a notifiable disease and the Heath Protection Agency should be informed of all cases. They will advise on whether any contacts need prophylactic antibiotics.

Should I be, or have I been, immunised?

The Department of Health recommends that all first year University students under the age of 25 should have received the Meningitis C immunisation before coming to university. If you have not received this immunisation, or do not recall having recieved it, contact your own medical centre or GP to discuss your situation.

Other Sources of Information

NHS Direct
24 hour Helpline 0845 46 47

National Meningitis Trust
24 hour Support Line: 0845 6000 800

Meningitis Research Foundation
24 hour Helpline: 080 8800 3344

Health Protection Agency

Student Information