WHAT IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

Bacterial meningitis is an extremely serious bacterial infection, and even with prompt medical treatment, can result in death. Although the outcome of bacterial meningitis depends on many factors, we know from the literature that case fatality rates range from five to 15 per cent.

That said, it is rare in Canada. In 2017, there were 21 cases reported to Ottawa Public Health. In 2016, there were 17. In 2015, there were 16. In 2014, there were 10 and in 2013, there were 15. Symptoms may include some of the following: a severe headache; a high temperature; vomiting; sensitivity to bright lights; neck stiffness and joint pains; drowsiness, confusion; a rash of tiny, red-purple spots or bruises that may occur anywhere on the body. There are three types of vaccines given routinely that help to prevent bacterial meningitis.

The province of Ontario recommends vaccinating children against H flu Type B, pneumococcal disease and meningococcal disease. HiB is given as a combo vaccine at two, four, six and 18 months. Pneumococcal vaccine is given at two, four and 12 months. Meningococcal vaccine is given at 12 months.

There is also another meningococcal vaccine given in Grade 7 (Meningococcal Conjugate ACYW-135). The Men-C-ACYW conjugate vaccine became publicly funded in Ontario in 2009 for students in grade 7. These students had a birth year of 1997 (and are 21 in 2018).