Meningitis




		600 52nd Street, Suite 300 Kenosha, WI 53140 262 656 8400


	Protect Your Child

		* What is Meningitis? * What are signs and symptoms? * How is it Spread? * About the Vaccine


	The infection strikes nearly 3,000 Americans each year, and 10 to 12 percent of those infected will die. Among those who survive meningococcal disease, approximately 20 percent live with permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, kidney disease, hearing loss or loss of limbs. Immunization is the best way to help protect against meningococcal disease.

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis (meningococcal disease) is a very dangerous disease that can start with flu like symptoms and progress rapidly (24-48 hours). Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability, limb amputation and death.
After childhood, meningitis rates begin to rise again in early adolescence and peak between the ages of 15-24 years.

What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?

High fever, headache, and stiff neck are common symptoms of meningitis in anyone over the age of 2 years. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take 1 to 2 days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness. As the disease progresses, patients of any age may have seizures. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, the patient should see a doctor immediately.




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	How is Meningitis Spread? Some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing, sharing drinking glasses). Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as things like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. However, sometimes the bacteria that cause meningitis have spread to other people who have had close or prolonged contact with a patient with meningitis. Those in the same household or dorm room as a patient with meningitis would be considered increased risk for acquiring the infection. After childhood, meningitis rates begin to rise again in early adolescence and peak between the ages of 15-24 years.

	About the Vaccine The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that children age 11-12 be immunized for meningitis, as well as teens entering high school and college freshman living in dormitories if they have not already been immunized. *Kenosha VNA offers the Meningococcal Vaccine by appointment at our office. Call 262-656-8400 for details.



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