Meningitis

Meningitis is a very serious, but rare condition in which there is inflammation in lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

Meningitis is very contagious.

Children with this condition need to be kept away from other children until they are clear of the infection.

Meningitis can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection.

Meningococcal, which is a common type of bacterial meningitis, usually occurs with septicaemia (poisoning of the blood) and this can be life-threatening.

Incubation period

The incubation period is the length of time it takes from being infected by someone else with meningitis, to showing symptoms. It will take 1-2 weeks before you show any symptoms.

Meningitis has an incubation period of: 2-10 days

How do you get meningitis?

You can catch meningitis in a few ways:

• breathing in tiny infected droplets from infected people, when they cough or sneeze
• coming into close contact with someone else who’s infected with meningitis

The risk of catching meningitis is higher if your immune system is somewhat impaired (people with serious underlying conditions, older people) or not evolved (babies and children). It is easily spread by being in close proximity with others, for example at schools, daycare, dormitories.

Symptoms of measles

Both viral and bacterial meningitis have similar symptoms. Bacterial meningitis symptoms get worse very quickly.

Symptoms of viral meningitis

• Crying – babies and toddlers may not stop crying
• Decreased appetite – babies and toddlers may not want to eat much
• Fever – a high fever which may go up over 40°C (104°F)
• Headache – most often accompanied by the stiff neck, although on babies, the fontanelle (soft spot on the forehead) can appear to be bulging
• Rash – can start as a cluster of tiny blood spots that look like pin pricks and develops into large purple marks all over the body that do not turn white when the skin is pressed. This is a sign of septicaemia which is very serious, life-threatening and at an advanced stage
• Respiratory symptoms – babies and children may cough or find it difficult to breath properly, with fast breathing and noises with every breath being common
• Sensitivity to light – this is an uncommon symptom, but can occur in some babies and toddlers
• Stiff neck – this is one of the classic signs of meningitis
• Stomach upset – vomiting and nausea or pain (can be more of a sign that septicaemia is starting)
• Unusual body movement – babies and toddlers may arch their back or have a very floppy body
• Vomiting – babies may throw up, even if they haven’t been eating much

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis

• altered mental status – your child may not be able to focus or think properly
• fever and chills – feeling hot and cold due to a fever
• headache or stiff neck – headaches are accompanied by a stiff neck, although on babies, the fontanelle (soft spot on the forehead) can appear to be bulging
• irritability – your child may not stop crying
• nausea and vomiting – this is a common symptom
• purple areas of skin that resemble bruises – the more there are of these, the more serious the condition
• sensitivity to light – uncommon symptom, but can occur in some babies and toddlers
• sleepiness and lethargy – this is a typical symptom of any infection

Bacterial meningitis symptoms develop very quickly. Get your child to the hospital if they experience any of these symptoms. Bacterial meningitis can be deadly very quickly.

Treatment of meningitis

• See a doctor – any child with suspected chickenpox needs to see a doctor who can perform an examination to diagnose this condition
• Antibiotics – the child will be given antibiotics, either orally (tablets) or intravenously (into a vein) depending on the severity and stage of the condition
• Rest – the child should rest to help the body heal itself
• Fluids – plenty of fluids (water, natural juice)

Meningitis and septicaemia are medical emergencies and you need to call an ambulance, especially if the purple rash is present.

Complications

Complications can occur with meningitis, especially the bacterial form.

Some common complications include:

• seizures
• hearing loss
• vision loss
• memory problems
• migraine headaches
• brain damage
• hydrocephalus
• a subdural empyema, or a buildup of fluid between the brain and the skull

Some of the more serious complications include:

• pneumonia – this is a serious infection of the lungs and usually requires hospitalisation
• amputations of limbs – when the bacteria enters the bloodstream, they can multiply and release high amounts of toxins. These cause blood vessel damage and leak blood into the skin and organs. Gangrene can damage the skin and amputation may be required
• death – even with treatment, 15 out of every 1,000 people who are infected with meningitis will die.

Vaccination

There are 3 vaccines for bacterial meningitis available in Australia. Only under the national immunisation schedule:

• Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine – targets 4 of the most common types of bacterial meningitis. This vaccine is free for children aged 12 months and those who are 14-16 years. It is also free for people of all ages with asplenia and hyposplenia, complement deficiency and those receiving treatment with eculizumab
• Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine – targets one specific strain and its protection window is much shorter. Only certain populations are recommended to get this vaccine. This vaccine is free
• Meningococcal C conjugate (MenC) vaccine – targets one specific strain and its protection window is much shorter. Only certain populations are recommended to get this vaccine

Reducing risk of infection

The best and easiest way to prevent infection is to get vaccinated. Children should receive the MenACWY vaccine at 12 months and again at 14-15 years.

Other strategies to reduce infection:

• if your child gets meningitis, keep them away from school and other children
• discuss the meningitis infection with your doctor or ambulance/hospital if you’re going to the hospital as they need to manage it differently to prevent infection in themselves and others
• ensure you and your child/children wash hands with a sanitising hand soap
• wash toys and clothes in detergent that has a sanitising effect
• wipe down surfaces with a 70% alcohol solution
• pregnant women should stay away from anyone who has meningitis

References

• Meningitis. Department of Health and Aged Care. Accessed 3 July 2024
• Meningitis. World Health Organisation. Accessed 3 July 2024
• Meningitis. CDC USA. Accessed 3 July 2024
• Meningococcal vaccine. National immunisation schedule. Accessed 3 July 2024
• Meningococcal vaccines (PDF). National Centre For Immunisation Research and Surveillance. Accessed 3 July 2024

Last reviewed and updated: 3 July 2024