Bacterial Meningitis
Para ver esta información en español, presione aquí.
Click here for more information on the bacterial meningitis cases in Oologah, OK.
Bacterial Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This infection is caused by bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are the usual causes of bacterial meningitis. In the past, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) was the leading cause of meningitis. That however, has changed due to the introduction of the Hib vaccine during routine childhood vaccinations.
Who is at risk for Bacterial Meningitis?
Anyone can get bacterial meningitis because the bacteria that cause this disease can be passed from one person to another.
What are the symptoms?
Infants less than 2 years old may also show these symptoms:
• Slowness or inactivity
• Difficulty awakening
• Refusing to eat
• Irritablility
• Shivering
• Difficulty breathing
As this disease progresses, people of all ages may have seizures.
Meningitis can be severe, resulting in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms appear anywhere from 2-10 days after exposure (3-4 days on average) and may appear in any order.
How is Bacterial Meningitis spread?
• Prolonged, direct contact with respiratory and throat secretions such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum (saliva mixed with mucus).
Not spread by casual contact or by breathing the air where a person with bacterial meningitis has been.
How long is Bacterial Meningitis contagious?
• Until the bacteria are no longer present in discharges from the nose and mouth.
• Bacteria usually disappear within 24 hours after starting treatment.
How can Bacterial Meningitis be diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, which is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect spinal fluid. Identifying the bacteria is important so the correct antibiotic can be used to treat the disease.
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately.
What is the treatment for Bacterial Meningitis?
Antibiotics will generally be prescribed for the case and, in some instances, for close contacts of the case, such as:
• family members living in the same house, or
• people who spend a lot of time together such as close friends and/or babysitters.
Not everyone who has been around the sick person will require antibiotics. Antibiotics prescribed to the close contacts are called prophylaxis and are used to help prevent others from contracting bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics will only be prescribed for certain types of bacterial meningitis. The Tulsa Health Department will work to identify those close contacts needing antibiotics.
How can it be prevented?
Bacterial Meningitis can be prevented by:
• Washing hands, especially after sneezing and coughing.
• Keeping hands and objects out of your mouth.
• Disinfecting items used by infected people; bleach is a good disinfectant.
• Not eating or drinking after other people.
• Not sharing spoons, forks, drinking straws, chapsticks, lip glosses and lipsticks.
Is there a vaccine available for Bacterial Meningitis?
THD will:
1. Investigate some types of bacterial meningitis cases,
2. Contact close contacts of bacterial meningitis cases for antibiotic prophylaxis, and
3. Provide information on bacterial meningitis.
For more information, contact:
Tulsa Health Department
(918) 582-9355
epidemiology@tulsa-health.org
Oklahoma State Department of Health
(866) 278-7134
http://www.ok.gov/health/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(888) 443-7232
http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/about/faq.html
To download a printable brochure version of this information click here.