Meningitis can be a serious disease and while infectious, the risk of becoming infected is quite low as it is not very contagious. The infection is not spread simply by being in the same room as an infected person, or by breathing air where they were standing. Still, meningitis can be fatal —one in ten people may die. Among those who recover, long-term effects such as deafness will occur in about 10%. The number of Canadian cases of meningococcal disease is irregular, rising and falling unevenly. Local or regional outbreaks happen about once every 10 to 15 years. The last peak was in 1992 when some 400 cases were reported to Health Canada.

Meningitis can occur at any age but the highest risk is among children under one year of age. The second most at-risk group are teenagers 15-19 years old. There is also a higher risk for people with diabetes, alcoholism, a damaged immune system or who have recently had brain surgery.

So what is meningitis? Protecting the brain and spinal chord are membranes called the meninges. The liquid contained by this membrane is called cerebrospinal fluid. Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges and is usually caused by infection from a virus, bacterium, parasite or fungus.

The most common sources of infection are two types of bacteria (Meningococcus and Hemophilus Influenza — not related to the flu) and viruses. About 10% of people carry meningococci bacteria at the back of their throat or nose with no ill effects. In rare cases, the meningococci overcome the body’s natural defences and infection results.

Symptoms of meningitis will arise either over a few hours or within 1-2 days. The faster the onset of symptoms, the more important it is to seek medical assistance quickly. The most common symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting and drowsiness. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, photophobia (aversion to bright lights), confusion, drowsiness or a small purplish skin rash. It may also be painful to touch chin to chest.

In babies, the most noticeable symptoms may be behavioural change such as drowsiness, being irritable or crying excessively. Babies may also have a bulge in the area of the soft spot on the top of their heads, caused by the pressure of the inflamed meninges.

Because meningitis is spread by droplets of fluid from the nose and throat, it is most likely to affect people who are in close contact with an infected person. By the same token, it is not particularly contagious so most people would not be at risk from an infected person. The best strategy for prevention is good hygiene: wash hands often, do not share food, drink, or eating utensils and dispose of tissues after sneezing or blowing your nose. Of course, kissing spreads the germs well, as might sharing a cigarette (but you wouldn’t smoke in the first place, right?)

The treatment for meningitis is antibiotics, best if given early in the infection. Vaccination can prevent the spread of the disease and in the case of an outbreak may be implemented for those people at greatest risk. While it is unlikely that you would become infected, meningitis can be very serious. If there are any indications of meningitis, seek treatment right away… the sooner the better.