Meningitis and Septicaemia

Meningitis means inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Septicaemia is blood poisoning. They can be caused by lots of different germs, mainly bacteria or viruses. Meningitis is a serious illness that most commonly is caused by a virus or bacteria, which infect the membranes that cover the brain and cause inflammation. Symptoms usual consist of fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and irritability. Your child's eyes may also become very sensitive to light.

Most childrens have natural resistance to these diseases. Meningitis vaccines give excellent protection but can't prevent all forms of meningitis and septicaemia.

Symptoms

• Fever and Vomiting
• Severe headache
• Joint/Muscle Pain
• Cold hand/Feet/Shevering
• Stiff Neck
• Breathing fast or breathless condition
• Rash in Skin
• Sensitive to light
• Difficult to Wak
• Very Sleepy
• Confused
• Fits may also be seen
• Refusing to feed

How to Diagnoses

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for meningitis may include the following:

lumbar puncture (spinal tap) - a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.

Through Blood Testing

Computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays

How is it spread?

Meningococcal meningitis is spread through the air via respiratory secretions or close contact with an infected person. This can include coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items like utensils, cigarettes and drinking glasses.

Treatment

Antibiotics such as penicillin and chloramphenicol are medicines that kill bacteria. In cases of bacterial meningitis these are given as quickly as possible once the infection has been diagnosed. Antibiotics may be given to friends, family and other close contacts of the infected person. Emergency vaccinations can be given to others in the area to prevent the spread of the infection into the wider population.

Bacterial meningitis is so serious that a person showing the symptoms will be admitted to hospital. It is difficult to get antibiotics into the cerebrospinal fluid and medicines often need to be given using a needle directly into the bloodstream or spinal cord.