MENINGITIS

What is it?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain, usually caused by a viral or a bacterial infection. Meningitis caused by bacterial infection is usually more serious than other kinds.

What causes it?

Like other infections, such as coughs, colds and chickenpox, meningitis is caught by being in close contact with someone who already has it. That is why we can vaccinate against some kinds of meningitis - the vaccine helps your body prepare to fight off the infection.

Who gets it?

Meningitis is, fortunately, rare. It is more common in children - 80 per cent of cases of meningitis are in the under-fives - and your child is most at risk between the ages of six and 12 months.

What are the symptoms?

This depends on the age of the person affected. Babies or toddlers will not be able to tell you if they have a headache. They will get a high fever and be irritable or floppy. They may vomit or have a convulsion, and later may get drowsy and difficult to rouse. If they are older, they may complain of a sudden, severe headache that sometimes goes down into the top of the back, and bright lights will distress them. A rash is often quite a late sign in meningitis. It is usually deep reddish purple and blotchy, and does not fade if you press a glass against it.

When should I go to my GP?

Meningitis is a serious condition, and the sooner it is treated the better. All children get fevers but most of them are because of harmless viral infections from which they will completely recover in a few days. If your child is also drowsy or starts vomiting, complains of a headache and does not like the light, seek medical help immediately. Call your doctor straight away to discuss your child's symptoms. The doctor may be able to reassure you but otherwise will want to see your child as soon as possible. If it is difficult to contact your own doctor, you should take your child to the nearest casualty department.

What tests will my Doctor want to do?

After examination, if your GP thinks your child may have meningitis, the doctor may give him or her an injection of antibiotics before sending your child straight to hospital, where your child will need blood tests, and a lumbar puncture - which is a tiny sample of fluid taken from the spine.

What is the short-term treatment?

Meningitis is treated by antibiotics given into your child's vein.

Is long-term treatment needed?

Meningitis itself does not need any long-term treatment. If your child has any complications, he or she may need long-term follow-up.

How can I stop this from happening?

There is a vaccine against one of the bacteria that causes meningitis, which your child will be offered at the same time as his or her diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccines. If your child is in close contact with someone who gets meningitis, he or she may be offered antibiotics or a vaccination to prevent the illness occurring. There is little risk unless your child has been in regular close contact with the affected person.