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Meningitis
Infection
The bacteria (meningococci)infects from person to person through the air.
Vaccination
Travellers to countries with a high risk should be vaccinated for stays of more than 4 weeks duration, and all travellers during out-breaks.
There are at least 5 main types of meningococci bacteria.
Most infection in the tropics are due to type A and C, with type B being more common in temperate areas. W135 and Y are more rare.
There was a large outbreak of meningitis W135 in Burkina Faso in 2002, so the tetravalent vaccine is also recommended to Burkina Faso.
The vaccine contains polysaccharides (sugar) and does not give sufficient protection after a single injection in children under 2 years of age.
Vaccination protects for 3 years after 1 injection.
A meningococcal vaccine against type C has been developed for small children, and this vaccine is used in the UK childhood vaccination programme.
HajjThere was an outbreak of W135 among pilgrims to Mecca in 2000, who had only received vaccination against type A and C. Vaccination with a vaccine covering A, C, W135 and Y are now mandatory for pilgrims to Mecca.
Symptoms
The symptoms start suddenly with high fever, strong headache, nausea and later reduced consciousness. A rash with small needle head type spots is typical and may develop very rapidly.
Diagnosis
A spinal tap with microscopy and culture and culture from the blood.
Treatment
Treatment with intravenous antibiotics in high doses. Rapid treatment is essential.
Prevention
Vaccination.
Vaccination against memnigococci type C has been included in the UK child-hood vaccination programme.
More about meningitis
PHLS information: Meningococcal Disease – general information
Edited 14. November 2007
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