Topic: Meningitis (all types)
Description
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the thin lining around the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by bacteria or viruses. While some forms of meningitis are mild and resolve without treatment, meningitis can be potentially life-threatening. Prompt medical assessment is necessary.
Bacterial meningitis
Meningitis caused by bacteria is called ‘bacterial meningitis’. Bacterial meningitis is usually serious and requires very prompt medical attention.
Some common types of bacterial meningitis are:
- Hib meningitis - caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. This was the most common type of meningitis in Australia until a national vaccination program started in 1992.
- Meningococcal meningitis – caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria
- Pneumococcal meningitis – caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Viral meningitis
Meningitis caused by viruses is called ‘viral meningitis’. It is relatively common. Most cases of viral meningitis are mild. Some people may be hospitalised for a short time. On rare occasions viral meningitis can be life threatening. It can be caused by various different viruses and is often a complication of another viral illness.
Symptoms
In older children and adults symptoms of meningitis can include headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, drowsiness and confusion, and discomfort looking at bright lights.
In babies and young children symptoms can include fever, refusing feeds, fretfulness, being difficult to wake, and sometimes a high moaning cry.
There may also be a rash, particularly with meningococcal meningitis where there is often a characteristic purplish-red rash.
The symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are often quite similar. As bacterial meningitis can sometimes cause death within hours, it is important that people seek medical attention as soon as possible if they are concerned that they may have meningitis.
Blood tests and a lumbar puncture (removal of spinal fluid through a needle) are often required to determine if meningitis is viral or bacterial.
Transmission
People of any age can carry the types of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis in their nose or throat without becoming ill. They may then spread the bacteria to others through coughing or sneezing, although most of these people will not go on to develop meningitis. Prolonged close contact is usually needed for spread of the bacteria to occur.
The way a virus spreads between people depends on the specific virus. Some of the viruses that can cause meningitis are spread from person to person by respiratory secretions, others through contact with faecal matter, and others by mosquito bites.
Treatment
Early and rapid diagnosis is very important in treating bacterial meningitis. Treatment usually requires hospitalisation and antibiotics given intravenously.
There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. Treatment is generally the same as for any other viral infection and consists of plenty of rest, pain medication as necessary and plenty of fluids.
Health Outcome
While bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, it can result in death or permanent disabilities such as cerebral palsy and deafness.
Most people with viral meningitis make an excellent recovery, but occasionally it can result in permanent disabilities.
Prevention
Some forms of bacterial meningitis can be prevented by vaccination:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b – Hib vaccine is recommended for all infants.
- Meningococcal – vaccine for meningococcal C strain is recommended for all infants (no vaccine is available for the more common meningococcal B strain).
- Pneumococcal – pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all infants and certain other high risk groups.
See the specific fact sheets listed below for further information on vaccination.
The spread of viruses that can cause viral meningitis can be minimised by simple measures. In particular you should wash your hands thoroughly, with warm soapy water for at least 15 seconds, after going to the toilet, blowing your nose, and before eating.
You should also avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which can spread viruses that cause meningitis:
- avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active, from just before sunset until dawn
- wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks
- use insect repellent when outdoors and reapply regularly.
Help and Assistance
For further information please contact your local doctor, nearest public health unit or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Other Resources
Images of symptoms for meningococcal disease
Immunise Australia website
Related Content
Fact sheets:
Meningococcal disease
- Meningococcal disease and immunisation
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and immunisation
- Pneumococcal disease
- Pneumococcal disease and immunisation
Last Updated: 4th October, 2011
Date Valid to: 4th October, 2012
