Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). The infection causes the meninges to become inflamed, which in some cases can damage the nerves and brain. The infection can be caused by either bacteria or viruses. Bacterial meningitis is more serious than viral meningitis, as it can quickly lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can be fatal.

The symptoms of viral meningitis are usually not as severe as those of bacterial meningitis (they are similar to flu). However, only a blood test can determine which form of meningitis your child has, so it is important to treat every suspected case of meningitis as a medical emergency.

Symptoms

High fever, with cold hands and feet.

Vomiting and refusal to feed/eat.

Agitation and not wanting to be held.

Drowsiness, floppiness and unresponsiveness.

Grunting; breathing rapidly.

In babies, an unusually high-pitched or moaning cry.

Pale, blotchy skin, and a red rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it. (Remember: a fever with a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed should always be considered a medical emergency.)

In babies and under five, a tense, bulging soft spot on the head (fontanels).

Stiff neck and sensitivity to bright lights. Convulsions or seizures. Babies will scream in pain if rocked even gently.

Stiff neck – cannot push chin down towards chest without excruciating pain. Severe headache. Diarrhoea (in viral meningitis only).

Muscle or joint pain.

Treatment

Every suspected case should be treated as a medical emergency. Rush your child to hospital or call an ambulance.

Bacterial meningitis will require hospitalisation, sometimes in the ICU

Antibiotics will be used to treat bacterial meningitis.

Anti-viral medicines may be used to treat viral meningitis.

Meningitis vaccination (DTAP-IPV-HIB1) is included in the state vaccination schedule.

The DTAP-IPV-HIB1 vaccine only protects against Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) – a bacteria that can cause a number of serious illnesses in children, including bacterial meningitis. However, there are several other strains of viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis for which there are no vaccines. So it is possible for your child to get meningitis even if she has received the vaccine. Never disregard any possible meningitis symptoms – act quickly.

THE SYMPTOMS OF VIRAL MENINGITIS ARE USUALLY NOT AS SEVERE AS THOSE OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS