Meningitis

The bacteria which cause meningitis and meningococcal disease are spread by coughing, sneezing or direct contact such as kissing, and often occure in places where there are large groups of people (e.g. University). The symptoms often develop quickly, over a few hours or so. The symptoms can occur in any order, and not all may occur. Sometimes symptoms develop more slowly, over a few days. The symptoms may suggest a less serious illness at first, e.g. fever, headaches, and vomiting are common with many viral illnesses such as flu. So, even if you think it was flu to start with, if symptoms become worse then it may be meningitis or septicaemia. Seek expert advice if uncertain.

The following are possible symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia. But: not all symptoms may occur. If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia - get medical help immediately.

Symptoms in adults and children

• Rash - The rash is red or purple. Small spots develop at first and may occur in groups anywhere on the body. They often grow to become blotchy and look like little bruises. One or two may develop at first but many may then appear in different parts of the body. The spots / blotches do not fade when pressed (unlike many other rashes). To check for this do the tumbler test. Place a clear glass (tumbler) firmly on one of the spots or blotches. If the spot / blotch does not fade and you can still see it through the glass, get medical help immediately.
• Fever - however, the hands and feet may be cold
  
• Stiff neck - cannot bend the neck forward
  
• Headache - can become severe. Sometimes aches and pains in muscles or joints
  
• Dislike of bright lights - will shut eyes and turn away from the light
  
• Drowsiness or confusion
  
• Repeated vomiting
  

  

• Rash - The rash is red or purple. Small spots develop at first and may occur in groups anywhere on the body. They often grow to become blotchy and look like little bruises. One or two may develop at first but many may then appear in different parts of the body. The spots / blotches do not fade when pressed (unlike many other rashes). To check for this do the tumbler test. Place a clear glass (tumbler) firmly on one of the spots or blotches. If the spot / blotch does not fade and you can still see it through the glass, get medical help immediately" Excessive crying - often high pitched or moaning and different to their usual cry.
  
• Fever - but the baby may not look hot and the skin may look pale or blotchy
  
• Will not take feeds - sometimes repeated vomiting
  
• Being irritable - especially when picked up and handled
  
• Drowsiness or sleepiness - does not wake easily
  
• A bulging fontanelle sometimes develops. The is the 'soft spot' on the baby's head
  
• Jerky movements may occur and the body may appear stiff. Sometimes the opposite occurs and the body appears quite floppy. Convulsions (fits) sometimes develop.
  

What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. It can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Meningitis C immunisation
We can give you an injection of Men C vaccine which protects you against the most common type of Meningitis. It does not protect against all types of the disease, so it's very important that you know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.

Students under 24 who have not received meningitis vaccination prior to coming to Leeds should contact us to ask about a Men C injection.

The side effects of the vaccine are usually mild and do not last very long. About one to two days after the injection you may have a sore arm and some redness and swelling where the injection was given. This will usually go away within a few days. You may develop a slight temperature which lasts for a few hours, or you may get a headache. You should not have the vaccine if you are ill and have a temperature, if you've had a severe allergic reaction to a previous immunisation, or if you think you might be pregnant.

How serious are meningitis and septicaemia?
The diseases are rare but can be extremely dangerous, resulting in deafness, blindness, paralysis, loss of arms or legs, and even death. However, if the symptoms are noticed and treatment (with antibiotics) is given quickly, people can recover fully.

How common is the disease?
Nearly one in four young people naturally have the bacteria in their mouth and throat without developing meningitis or septicaemia. We do not know why some people become ill and others carry the bug without harm.

Source: Adapted with permission from a © document supplied by EMIS and P