Doc Fio

Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

​

Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type.

Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be very serious if not treated.

Several different viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, including:

• meningococcal bacteria – there are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z

• pneumococcal bacteria

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria

• enteroviruses – viruses that usually only cause a mild stomach infection

• the mumps virus

• the herpes simplex virus – a virus that usually causes cold sores or genital herpes

​

A classic symptom of meningitis is a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it, but this doesn't appear in many cases, other symptoms of meningitis ;

• a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above

• feeling and being sick

• irritability and a lack of energy

• a headache

• aching muscles and joints

• breathing quickly

• cold hands and feet

• pale, mottled skin

• a stiff neck

• confusion

• a dislike of bright lights

• drowsiness

• fits (seizures) 

​

A number of meningitis vaccinations provide protection against many of the infections that can cause meningitis. 

Meningococcal vaccine refers to any of the vaccines used to prevent infection by Neisseria meningitidis. Different versions are effective against some or all of the following types of meningococcus: A, C, W-135, and Y. The vaccines are between 85 and 100% effective for at least two years.

 

Mencevax (GlaxoSmithKline) and NmVac4-A/C/Y/W-135 (JN-International Medical Corporation) are used worldwide. Mencevax ACWY is indicated for active immunisation of adults and children over two years against meningococcal meningitis caused by serogroup A, serogroup C, serogroup W-135 and serogroup Y meningococci.

 

The vaccine may be used for:

1. Individuals who are close contacts of patients with disease caused by meningococci of serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y.

2. Travellers to countries where the disease is endemic or highly epidemic.

3. Controlling epidemics of infection caused by serogroup A, C, W-135 and Y meningococci in confined communities.

4. Patients with inherited defects of properdin or complement, or functional or anatomical asplenia.

​

Mencevax ACWY is not recommended for use in infants and children under two years of age as antigenicity of the vaccine is low in this age group and antibodies persist for shorter duration.