How is bacterial meningitis transmitted?
People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.
Is meningitis spread by droplet?
They can spread through faecal contamination of hands or surfaces, through droplets from the nose and throat, or from mother to child in pregnancy. These examples cover the main methods of spread of the many bacteria and viruses that can cause meningitis.
Is viral meningitis airborne?
Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it's not usually life-threatening. The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces. They easily spread through coughing and sneezing.
What PPE is required for bacterial meningitis?
Wear gloves and protective clothing such as a gown or lab coat, shoes, and a mask (if the spill may contain a respiratory agent or if the agent is unknown).
What type of mask do you wear for meningitis?
While a surgical mask would normally provide adequate protection from large droplet spread, it does not prevent inhalation of smaller aerosolized particles such as those generated at autopsy. Prosectors are advised to routinely wear N-95 respirator masks or powered respirator hoods.Jun 6, 2018
Is bacterial or viral meningitis contagious?
Viral meningitis can be contagious from 3 days after infection starts to about 10 days after symptoms develop. Bacterial meningitis is usually less contagious than viral meningitis. It's generally contagious during the incubation period and an additional 7 to 14 days.
Does bacterial meningitis require droplet precautions?
What infection control precautions are required? Meningococcal meningitis patients should be placed on droplet precautions (private room, mask for all entering the room) until they have completed 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Negative pressure ventilation is not required.Sep 1, 2006
What is the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Viral meningitis is an infection caused by viruses and bacterial meningitis is an infection caused by bacteria.Jul 18, 2014
What PPE is used for droplet precautions?
Droplet precautions means wearing a face mask (also called a surgical mask) when in a room with a person with a respiratory infection. These precautions are used in addition to standard precautions, which includes use of a face shield or goggles as well as gown and gloves if contact with blood/body fluids is possible.
Will a surgical mask protect against meningitis?
The Centers for Disease control does not recommend wearing a surgical mask to prevent exposure. Not sharing anything that comes in contact with the mouth is most effective. Are there special cleaning precautions for meningitis? No.
Who gets prophylaxis for meningitis?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that this vaccine be given to 11- and 12-year-old adolescents, to adolescents entering high school, and to college freshmen living in dormitories. The vaccine also may be given to persons 11 to 55 years of age who belong to certain high-risk groups.Nov 15, 2005
Should meningitis patients be isolated?
Isolation of the patient is not usually advised after 24 hours of treatment. Appropriate antibiotic treatment must be started as soon as possible in bacterial meningitis. Ideally, lumbar puncture should be done first as antibiotics can make it more difficult to grow bacteria from the spinal fluid.Sep 28, 2021
Causes
Risk Factors
How It Spreads
- Certain germs that cause bacterial meningitis, such as L. monocytogenes, can spread through food. But most of these germs spread from one person to another. How people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria. It is also important to know that people can have these bacteria in or on their bodies without being sick. These people are “carriers.” Most carriers neve…
Signs and Symptoms
- Meningitis symptoms include sudden onset of 1. Fever 2. Headache 3. Stiff neck There are often other symptoms, such as 1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light) 4. Altered mental status (confusion) Newborns and babies may not have, or it may be difficult to notice the classic symptoms listed above. Instead, babies may 1. Be slow or inactive …
Diagnosis
- If a doctor suspects meningitis, they will collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid near the spinal cord). A laboratory will test the samples to see what is causing the infection. Knowing the specific cause of meningitis helps doctors treat it.
Treatment
- Doctors treat bacterial meningitis with a number of antibiotics. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible.
Prevention
- Vaccination
Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: 1. Meningococcal vaccines help protect against N. meningitidis 2. Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against S. pneumoniae 3… - Prophylaxis
When someone has bacterial meningitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics to help prevent people around the patient from getting sick. Doctors call this prophylaxis. CDC recommends prophylaxis for: 1. Close contacts of someone with meningitis caused by N. meningitidis 2. Hou…