Meningitis

• There are many causes of meningitis, the most common being viral or bacterial infection.
• Bacterial meningitis can develop very rapidly over a few hours and can cause serious complications or even death.
• Those most at risk are babies and young children under 5 years, teenagers and young adults, older adults, those with weakened immune systems or those living in shared accommodation (eg, university halls).
• Common symptoms of meningitis include a sudden high fever, headache, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, sleepiness, joint and muscle pain.
• If you suspect someone might have meningitis contact your doctor without delay. If that's not possible, seek care at a local urgent care clinic or emergency department (ED) or call 111. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, but early treatment is important.
• A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.

Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral infection is more common but less severe than bacterial infection, which can be life-threatening.

The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis may live in your nose and throat. People of any age can carry them without becoming ill, but can infect others through close contact (eg, coughing, sneezing, sharing utensils).

Some of the viruses and bacteria that can cause meningitis include:

• meningococcal bacteria – there are several different types, the most important being A, B, C, W and Y.
• pneumococcal bacteria
• haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria
• enteroviruses – viruses that usually only cause a mild stomach infection
• the mumps virus
• the herpes simplex virus – a virus that usually causes cold sores or genital herpes.

There are a number of different vaccines that help provide protection against the infections that can cause meningitis.

Less common causes of meningitis include cancer, lupus, some medications, head injury or brain surgery.

Anyone can get meningitis, but some groups of people have a higher risk of getting it. These include:

• Anyone who hasn't completed the recommended childhood or adult vaccination schedule.
• Children younger than 5 years of age have a higher risk of meningitis.
• Babies and toddlers under the age of 2 years, and adults over the age of 50 have a higher risk of bacterial meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis tends to occur mostly in adolescents and young adults, as well as young children.
• People living in a community setting, eg, students living in dormitories, people on military bases, children in boarding schools and child-care facilities, and those living in overcrowded housing.
• People with a weakened immune system (eg, people with diabetes, alcoholism, or AIDS) or anyone who has had their spleen removed or who has a poorly functioning spleen.
  
  

Image credit: Canva

Meningitis can be very difficult to diagnose because the early symptoms are often similar to influenza (the flu). Your doctor also needs to determine whether meningitis is viral or bacterial or has some other cause. They may order several tests or seek specialist advice. Diagnosis may include:

• Taking a detailed history of signs and symptoms.
• Clinical examination.
• Blood tests.
• A lumbar puncture, which is usually done in hospital. The back and spinal area are numbed with medicine then some spinal fluid is removed using a needle and examined for bacteria.

Treatment of meningitis depends on the cause:

• Bacterial meningitis is treated immediately with intravenous antibiotics (into a vein). This helps to ensure you recover and reduces the risk of complications, eg, brain swelling and seizures.
• Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own. Treatment may include supportive care, eg, resting, keeping warm and comfortable and drinking plenty of fluids. Viral meningitis can't be treated with antibiotics.
• Non-infective meningitis may be treated with corticosteroids. In some cases, no treatment may be required, because the condition can get better on its own. Cancer-related meningitis requires therapy to manage the cancer.

• Get vaccinated against certain bugs that cause meningitis and other childhood diseases. Read more about vaccines that protect against meningitis.
• Wash your hands regularly and don’t share personal items.
• Keep your distance – from infected people if you're well, and from healthy people if you're sick.
• Take care of your general health and immune system by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and exercising regularly.
• Avoid recreational drugs, excessive alcohol and cigarette smoke.
• Get treatment quickly if you're concerned.