Bacterial Meningitis

1
Bacterial Meningitis

• What you need to know to
  protect yourself

2
What is bacterial meningitis?

• Infection of a person's spinal cord fluid and the
  fluid that surrounds the brain
• Two common types
• 1. Viral - caused by a virus, less severe
  then bacterial meningitis and resolves without
  specific treatment
• 2. Bacterial caused by a bacteria, quite
  severe and may result in brain damage, hearing
  loss, learning disabilities or death

3
Is there a treatment?

• Antibiotics main treatment for bacterial
  meningitis
• This does not always prevent death

4
How might I get bacterial meningitis?

• After intimate contact with an infected person
• It is transmitted through droplets of respiratory
  and throat secretions
• - kissing, sharing toothbrushes or eating
  utensils, coughing, frequently eating or sleeping
  in the same dwelling as an infected individual

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How do I know if I have it?

• The infected person may have any of the
  following
• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea/vomiting
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Discomfort looking into bright lights
• Seizures (in later stage)

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Who is at risk?

• Anyone living in communal living conditions, such
  as in dormitories and military barracks
• Persons with immune deficiencies, chronic
  illnesses and upper respiratory infections
• Anyone exposed to cigarette smoke
• Persons taking in high alcohol consumption
• Low socioeconomic status individuals
• Babies, during the first year of life
• Persons between the ages of 15 -24 years old

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Why am I at risk?

• Living in dormitories
• May develop an upper respiratory infection
• Age group 17 24 years old
• Exposed to persons at risk during mission trips,
  evangelizing, and day to day activities

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How can I prevent getting it?

• Reduce stress
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep a night
• Hand washing
• Keeping hands away from mouth and face
• Dont smoke
• Dont share utensils or toiletry equipment
• Eat balanced meals
• Avoid high alcohol consumption
• Get vaccinated (best prevention)

9
What is the Meningococcal vaccine?

• Two types
• 1. Menomune (Meningococcal polysaccharide
  vaccine or MPSV4)
• 2. Menactra (Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
  or MCV4)
• Both give immunity to bacterial meningitis.

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Menomune

• First developed (1982)
• Immunity lasts approximately three to five years
• Recommended for children 2 to 10 years old and
  adults over 55, but can also be used if Menactra
  is not available
• Cost varies

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Menactra

• Newer vaccine
• Claims to induce a better and longer-lasting
  immune response than Menomune
• Preferred vaccine for people 11 to 55 years of
  age
• Cost varies

12
How can I get vaccinated?

• At University Medical Services (subject to
  availability) Call to schedule an appointment
  (7862)
• May contact family physician to obtain vaccine
• May obtain vaccine at local health department

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Additional Resources

• To find out more about meningitis visit the
  following websites
• http//www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningo
  coccal_g.htm
• http//www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/00
  0608.htm
• http//www.meningitis.org/
• To find out more about the meningitis vaccines
  visit the following website
• www.cdc.gov/nip