Meningitis nn4d

Meningitis Created By: VSU Student Health Center Nursing Staff

What is Meningitis? Infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain  Viral or Bacterial  Etiology is important because of the seriousness of the illness and the treatment needed 

Viral Meningitis Usually clears up in a week or two with no specific treatment  Common; rarely serious infection of fluid in the spinal cord or fluid that surrounds the brain  Also called aseptic meningitis 

Causes of Viral Meningitis 

Caused by a number of different viruses mosquito-borne viruses occasionally seen after strep throat in young adults common intestinal viruses for half of U.S. cases per year

Signs and Symptoms 

Usually occur one week after exposure Fever Headache Stiff neck Tiredness Rash Sore Throat Vomiting

Treatment and Prevention No specific treatment for viral meningitis  Antibiotics do not work on viruses  Pay careful attention to personal hygiene  Good hand-washing helps prevent spread of infection and viruses 

Bacterial Meningitis A serious infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain  Results from bacterial invasion of membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord (meninges)  Meninges become swollen and inflamed, leading to classic s/s of meningitis 

Causes of Bacterial Meningitis 

Three common bacteria: Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) Neisseria meningitidis  Causes

Meningococcal Meningitis

Streptococcus pneumoniae  Causes

Pneumococcal Meningitis

How do people get Bacterial Meningitis? Bacteria are spread through direct with secretions from the nose or throat of an infected person  None of the bacteria that cause meningitis are very contagious  Not spread by casual or by simply breathing the same air where the person infected has been 

Signs and Symptoms     

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Under Age 2 Fever Headache Stiff neck Inactivity Vomiting Poor feeding Seizures  May be hard to detect in infants

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Over age 2 High fever Headache Stiff neck Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light Confusion Sleepiness Petechiae that spreads rapidly seizures

Diagnosis & Treatment Diagnosed via lumbar puncture (spinal tap)  Check for bacterial growth in the spinal fluid  Antibiotic istration based on bacteria found  Close s identified and treated also  Early diagnosis and treatment important 

Potential Complications Advanced bacterial meningitis can lead to brain damage, coma, and death  Survivors can suffer long-term hearing loss, mental retardation, paralysis, and seizures 

Vaccinations 

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Hib vaccine (3 doses by 6 months of age and a booster between 12-18 months of age) Meningococcal vaccine not routinely given to civilians in U.S. because most outbreaks occur in Africa

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Pneumococcal vaccine ineffective in persons under age 2 Recommended for all persons over age 65 with certain medical problems

Travel Precautions Check with your local health department if you are planning to travel outside the country.  If meningococcal vaccination is recommended or required, it should be received at least one week before departure if possible. 

Source American College Health Association, Baltimore, MD (2007) www.acha.org/meningitis  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007). www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/m eningococcal_g.htm. 