meningitis created by: vsu student health center nursing staff
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MeningitisMeningitis
Created By: VSU Student Created By: VSU Student Health Center Nursing StaffHealth Center Nursing Staff
What is Meningitis?What is Meningitis?
Infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain
Viral or BacterialEtiology is important because of the
seriousness of the illness and the treatment needed
Viral MeningitisViral 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 MeningitisCauses of Viral Meningitis
Caused by a number of different virusesmosquito-borne virusesoccasionally seen after strep throat in young
adultscommon intestinal viruses account for half of
U.S. cases per year
Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms
Usually occur one week after exposureFeverHeadacheStiff neckTirednessRashSore ThroatVomiting
Treatment and PreventionTreatment and Prevention
No specific treatment for viral meningitisAntibiotics do not work on virusesPay careful attention to personal hygieneGood hand-washing helps prevent spread
of infection and viruses
Bacterial MeningitisBacterial 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 MeningitisCauses 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 How do people get Bacterial Meningitis?Meningitis?
Bacteria are spread through direct contact 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 contact or by simply breathing the same air where the person infected has been
Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms
Under Age 2 Fever Headache Stiff neck Inactivity Vomiting Poor feeding Seizures
May be hard to detect in infants
Over age 2 High fever Headache Stiff neck Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light Confusion Sleepiness Petechiae that spreads
rapidly seizures
Diagnosis & TreatmentDiagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosed via lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Check for bacterial growth in the spinal fluid
Antibiotic administration based on bacteria found
Close contacts identified and treated alsoEarly diagnosis and treatment important
Potential ComplicationsPotential Complications
Advanced bacterial meningitis can lead to brain damage, coma, and death
Survivors can suffer long-term hearing loss, mental retardation, paralysis, and seizures
VaccinationsVaccinations
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
Pneumococcal vaccine ineffective in persons under age 2Recommended for all
persons over age 65 with certain medical problems
Travel PrecautionsTravel 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.
SourceSource
American College Health Association, Baltimore, MD (2007) www.acha.org/meningitis
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007). www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm.