Bacterial meningitis is an infection in the fluid of the spinal cord, and around the brain. It is more common in the winter and spring. Infants are at highest risk for this illness, followed by teenagers.

Bacterial meningitis can cause a high fever, headaches, and a stiff neck. A person might also have nausea, vomiting, confusion, irritability, and sleepiness. A person with meningitis may have difficulty looking into bright lights. A rash consisting of red spots that do not disappear when pressed on may also be visible. These symptoms can develop over several hours up to 2 days. It leads to death in 8-15% of people with the illness. Hearing loss, brain damage, and loss of limbs occurs in 10-20% of those who survive.

Children under 2 may not have these classic symptoms. An infant may be irritable, have difficulty feeding, or may be inactive.

If your child experiences these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Spinal fluid can be tested to determine which bacteria is causing the illness, and the correct antibiotics can be given.

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear 2-10 days after exposure to the bacteria. They most commonly begin after 3-4 days.

Not all types of bacterial meningitis are contagious. Certain types of these bacteria can spread from person to person by direct contact with the person's saliva by sharing drinks, eating utensils, cigarettes, and through kissing. It is not as contagious as the common cold or the flu.

The Public Health Department is notified when someone has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Close contacts will be identified and contacted by a public health nurse. These include people in the same household, daycare centre, and those who had direct contact with that person's saliva (for example a romantic partner). The public health nurse will provide close contacts with specific recommendations.

Classmates (unless close friends) and co-workers who have had casual contact with the infected person do not require antibiotics.

Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics. Treatment should be started early in the illness to improve the outcome.

Get vaccinated!
Men C (meningococcal C conjugate) vaccination provides lifelong immunity against the Group C meningitis only. This is now a routine childhood vaccination given at one year of age. The publicly funded (free) vaccine is also available for 12 year olds (generally Grade 7), and 15-19 year olds.

People of any age with high-risk medical conditions that put them at risk for severe infection from bacterial meningitis are also eligible for this vaccination.

Menomune (meningococcal polysaccharide) vaccination provides 3 years protection against serogroups A, M, C, Y, and W-135. This is commonly used for travellers at a cost to the traveller.