PARENTS CAN LEARN TO RECOGNIZE MENINGITIS

By: GARY A WEINBERGER,  MD

Meningitis is a very serious illness which results from inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.  Fortunately, the disease occurs rarely in childhood.  In fact, meningitis is even less of a problem since the development of new vaccines which prevent infection by certain bacteria.  These vaccines are part of the routine childhood immunization schedule; thus, all fully vaccinated children are well protected from meningitis.

Despite attempts to prevent meningitis, a few children still contract the condition.  Children may develop meningitis from other rare bacteria or from viruses since there is no vaccine for either of these problem germs.  The germ travels in respiratory droplets through sneezing or coughing and most often occurs in children less than five years old.

However, an appropriate exposure must occur for a child to develop meningitis.  A child can only contract meningitis if he is in close contact with another person who has the meningitis germ.  Close contact means living in the same house, attending the same day care class, or going to the same classroom at school.  If a child has a true exposure, then he can be treated with a medication to prevent meningitis.  Typically, this medicine is only required by very close contacts such as members of the immediate family of the patient.

If a child catches meningitis, then symptoms usually appear within four days.  Symptoms may include:  fever, rash, irritability, increased sleepiness, and decreased appetite, following or associated with signs of a cold.  Older children may complain of a headache, stiff neck, or back pain.

Meningitis requires treatment with hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics and fluids.  If the disease is detected early, then most children recover without and complications.  However, the most common complication is hearing loss.

The word meningitis always causes great fear among parents and teachers and even health care workers.  However, parents should remember that meningitis is rare and may be treated if detected early.  Of course, if a parent has any concerns regarding a possible case of meningitis, the he or she should speak with a physician or the local health department.