Meningitis - What to Look For
 
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
It can be either viral or bacterial.
The symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of septicaemia, which is blood poisoning caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and multiplying uncontrollably.
Urgent medical attention and antibiotic treatment for meningitis are vital because of the speed at which patients can deteriate.
Children under five, those aged 14 to 25 and people over 55 are the groups most at risk. In 1999, 98 males and 86 females died after getting meningitis.
Maningococci, the bacteria often responsible for meningitis, can be divided into several distinct groups.
Those mostly causing illness in this country (UK) belong to groups B (60 to 65 per cent of the cases)and C (35 to 40 per cent of the cases).
Group A and other, even rarer strains, affect only a tiny percentage of pateints.
There is a vaccine against meningococcal groups A and C but there is no vaccine against group B.
These are the signs and symptoms to watch out for (not all symptoms may not be present):
 
In babies and infants:
  • Fever - hands and feet may also be cold.
  • Refusing food or vomiting.
  • A high-pitched moaning cry or whimpering.
  • Fretfulness or a dislike of being handled.
  • Pale, blotchy complexion.
  • Blank, staring expression.
  • The baby is difficult to wake or is lethargic.
  • Arched neck and back.
  • A rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it.
In adults and older children:
  • Vomiting.
  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Stiff neck.
  • Aversion to light.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Joint pains.
  • Fits.
  • Rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it.

If you suspect that a patient may have meningitis or septicaemia, contact a doctor immediately.
 

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