MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS

Meningitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Meningitis is a sudden and acute infection of the central nervous system, primarily caused by various strains of the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

Symptoms:

• Rapid onset with fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck.
• Red spots on the skin may appear in some cases.
• Meningococcal meningitis is a medical emergency, requiring immediate consultation with a physician.
• Survivors may experience lifelong consequences, including hearing loss, neurological effects, and limb amputation.

Transmission:

• Direct contact, including saliva droplets and discharges from the nose and throat of an infected person.
• Some individuals become carriers without developing the disease, propagating the bacteria.
• Incubation period is 2 to 10 days, with symptoms appearing 3 to 4 days on average.
• The disease provides temporary immunity against the infecting strain.

Prevention:

• Close contacts of those with meningococcal infections may receive preventive antibiotic treatments.

Immunization:

• The meningococcal C vaccine is included in the routine immunization schedule for infants and children in Canada.
• Vaccines against other meningococcal strains are used during outbreaks caused by the specific strain found in the vaccine.

For further details, refer to information provided by The Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion.