Facts About Meningitis (Bacterial)
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the lining of the brain. It can be caused by many different bacteria. The disease can occur as a single case or as an outbreak in a number of people.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the lining of the brain. It can be caused by many different bacteria. The disease can occur as a single case or as an outbreak in a number of people.
A vaccine against some types of meningitis is offered as part of routine childhood immunizations. Additional vaccines to protect against some very rare types of bacterial meningitis are available to purchase. Other types cannot be prevented by a vaccine.
Bacterial meningitis can cause permanent health problems or death.
Most people with the disease will feel very ill and have a fever. Young children may just be sleepy, fussy or cry more than usual. Some people may later develop a bad headache, stiff neck or a rash and may have an upset stomach and vomiting.
To find out if someone has bacterial meningitis, a doctor uses a needle to take some fluid from around the spinal cord. The fluid is tested to see if the infection is caused by bacteria or by a virus.
If there is a case of bacterial meningitis in a child care centre or school, the Medical Health Officer will tell you who is at risk, who should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick, and who should receive meningitis vaccine. Public health will provide the antibiotics or vaccine.
This can happen when people kiss or share food, drinks, baby bottles, soothers, sippy cups, cigarettes, lipstick, water bottles, mouth guards used for sports, mouthpieces of musical instruments or anything else they put in their mouths.
People who are in direct contact with the saliva of a person infected with some types of bacterial meningitis may be at increased risk.
Bacterial meningitis is a reportable disease in British Columbia. If there is a case of bacterial meningitis in a child or adult in the child care centre or school, immediately report the case to the Licensing Officer or Public Health Nurse assigned to your centre or school.
If you think your child has been in contact with someone ill with bacterial meningitis, call your doctor or your local Community Health Centre.
Call your doctor if your child has been in contact with someone ill with bacterial meningitis and has any of the following signs:
Print these pages as featured in the guide book, Sneezes & Diseases: A Resource Book for Caregivers & Parents.
We monitor communicable diseases, investigate outbreaks, and distribute vaccines across the region.