Meningitis
by Youmasu J.
Siewe, Ph.D, MPH.
With the recent case of
meningitis on the OSU Stillwater campus, it could be necessary for the
larger community to become aware of the disease and how it can be prevented.
This article will discuss bacterial or meningococcal meningitis.
What is meningitis? It is a severe infection of the lining (meninges)
and fluid around the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by different
types of organisms, but most commonly, by bacteria and viruses. The type of
meningitis caused by a virus is more common, less serious and often resolves
without specific treatment. The type of meningitis caused by bacteria is
less common but causes a more serious disease. It may also cause
complications such as: brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability and
other problems of the central nervous system.
Who can get meningitis? Anyone, but it is more common in infants and
children. For some adolescents, such as first year college students living
in dormitories, there is an increased risk of meningitis. According to the
Centers for Disease Control, approximately 2,500 people in the country are
infected with meningitis every year, and about 300 die from the disease.
Other persons at increased risk include household or classroom contacts of a
person known to have the disease. People who have suppressed immune systems
or those traveling to parts of the world where meningococcal meningitis is
common can be at increased risk.
How common is meningitis in Oklahoma? According to the Oklahoma State
Department of Health, 33 cases of meningitis were reported in 2006. Of this
number over 50% occurred in the months of February and March.
How is meningitis spread? Meningococcus - the bacteria that causes
meningitis is only spread by close contact with saliva or secretions from
the nose or throat of an infected person. Some persons may carry
meningococcus in their nose and throat and never have any illness.
Meningitis is not transmitted by breathing the same air such as in a room
with an infected person. It is also not transmitted in water supplies,
swimming pools, or by casual contact in dining rooms, bars, or restrooms.
How do you know if you have meningitis? Symptoms of meningitis may
appear 2 to 10 days after initial exposure and include high fever; headache,
vomiting, stiff neck and rash. Other symptoms include confusion, seizures
and rash around the armpit and groin. A spinal tap and laboratory testing
are also used to confirm the disease. About 10-15% of those who develop the
disease may die, in spite of treatment. For those who survive, complications
such as brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure and other complications
involving the nervous system may occur - particularly if treatment is
delayed.
What is the treatment for meningitis? Early treatment with penicillin
and certain related antibiotics is very effective in treating meningitis.
Is there a vaccine to prevent meningitis and who should get it? The
CDC recommends a new vaccine to prevent meningococcal meningitis in people 2
years and older, and all first year college students living in dormitories.
The vaccine only prevents four types of bacteria meningitis. Contact your
health care provider for your specific needs.
Should people who have been in contact with a diagnosed case of
meningococcal meningitis be preventively treated? Only people in very
close contact with ill persons have a higher risk of the disease and should
be considered for preventive treatment. These include household members,
intimate contacts, day-care center classmates, some health-care workers and
persons with direct contact to secretions from the nose or throat of
infected persons (e.g., via kissing).
What are some steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk of
contracting meningitis? Cigarette smokers and children exposed to
cigarette smoke have an increased risk of developing meningitis. Other
specific measures to prevent meningitis include: quit smoking, avoid upper
respiratory infections by receiving influenza vaccine when appropriate,
cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wash hands frequently. Other
non-specific measures include eating a balanced diet, avoiding excessive
alcohol, and living a healthy lifestyle to improve overall health and
ability to resist disease.
Youmasu J. Siewe, Ph.D., MPH, is State Specialist for
Public Health Education, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service at OSU in