Protect your child against this disease

Meningitis is not uncommon and mostly develops in children, but can also transpire in adults.

What is meningitis?

According to the Meningitis Association of South Africa (Masa), a non-profit organisation, meningitis refers to inflammation of the meninges, which is the covering of the brain and spinal cord.

It is usually caused by being infected with a virus, bacterium or a fungus, but can also be caused by chemical irritation, cancer and other conditions.

The meningitis disease can be hard to recognise in its early stages, because symptoms are similar to those of more common viral illnesses.

The disease can progress fairly quickly and can make an infant or teenager very sick and can possibly become life threatening in a day.

The symptoms of meningitis are common symptoms and may be confused with the flu, making it difficult to diagnose the disease.

The symptoms may include:

• severe headache
• high fever
• nausea and vomiting
• irritability
• poor appetite or feeding
• sore throat
• haemorrhagic rash
• neck pain and stiffness
• sensitivity to light
• confusion or delirium
• seizures
• unconsciousness

Symptoms in newborns, babies and toddlers may include:

• poor appetite or feeding
• drowsiness
• unusually sleepy or irritable
• leg pain
• abnormal skin colour
• cold hands and feet
• constant crying
• spots on the infant’s head may bulge
• spasms due to extreme hyper-extension

If meningitis is treated early, almost all people recover, but if treatment is delayed it can result in complications such as permanent brain damage, hearing impairment or loss, mental retardation and paralysis as well as seizures, which all require life-long treatment.

Death can also occur if meningitis is left untreated.

Who should be vaccinated for meningococcal meningitis?

The conjugate meningococcal vaccine can be used from nine months of age.

Consult your healthcare professional about vaccination.

Vaccination is also recommended for people of increased risk of meningococcal disease up to the age of 55 years.

Who should be vaccinated for pneumococcal meningitis?

• Infants, young children and the elderly are at higher risk
• Patients with cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• People with underlying chronic illnesses (such as heart, lung, liver, kidney disease, diabetes)
• People whose spleens have been removed or do not function properly
• Cigarette smokers

For more information and to learn more about meningitis, visit Masa at www.meningitis.org.za.