Meningitis

What is it?

Meningitis is a swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Bacteria or viruses may cause meningitis. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, and sometimes a rash. Other illnesses, such as influenza, can appear like meningitis but anyone with a stiff neck and fever should be seen by a doctor.

Bacterial meningitis can cause serious illness. It is diagnosed by putting a needle in the spine and examining the spinal fluid for bacteria. This procedure is called a lumbar puncture. If bacteria are found, the patient is treated with antibiotics.

Viral meningitis is more common. It usually gets better by itself, depending on what the virus is. Some people are treated with anti-virals.

How is it spread?

Bacterial meningitis can be spread through exchanging saliva. This includes kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, or sneezing and coughing. People who may have had close contact with a case may need to take antibiotics to prevent illness. KFL&A Public Health staff will contact these individuals to discuss any needed antibiotic treatment.

Viral meningitis can be caused by many different types of viruses but the most common is enteroviruses. These viruses are spread often through direct contact with saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus and can also be found in the stool (feces) of infected persons. If you are around someone who has viral meningitis, you have a moderate chance of being infected with only a cold or rash with a low-grade fever, but a very small chance of developing meningitis.

How can I protect myself?

Avoid sharing eating or drinking utensils. Practice good personal hygiene, including washing your hands after using the toilet and before preparing food. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

For more information, contact KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 1287 or visit www.kflapublichealth.ca.

Revised: 2010-10-12