How is the transmission of meningitis and how to prevent

Meningitis C, also called meningococcal meningitis, is a type of bacterial meningitis caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and which can be fatal if not treated properly. Learn more about meningococcal meningitis.

This disease can happen at any age, being more frequent in children under 5 years old, and has flu-like symptoms, which can make diagnosis and start treatment more difficult, increasing the likelihood of sequelae, such as deafness, amputation and brain injuries.

The transmission of meningitis can happen through coughing and sneezing, for example, causing the bacteria to be dispersed in the air and can infect other people. Thus, the best way to prevent meningitis is to avoid contact with infected people and get a vaccine against meningitis C in the first months of life.

Main symptoms

The symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of the flu, however if the person has stiff neck and, consequently, difficulty in bending the neck, it is important to go to the doctor, as this symptom is indicative of meningitis. Other symptoms of the disease are:

• High fever; Headache; Skin patches; Mental confusion; Sore throat; Vomiting; Joint pain; Photophobia; Drowsiness.

In addition, purple spots on the skin can be seen that can be large or small and that can spread quickly through the body as the disease progresses.

The symptoms of meningitis C appear between 2 and 10 days after the person's contact with the bacteria, however the order and intensity of the symptoms varies according to the person, which can make the diagnosis more difficult and delay the start of treatment.

How the transmission happens

The transmission of meningitis C occurs through direct contact with the respiratory secretions or feces of a person infected by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis . Thus, coughing, sneezing, and saliva are ways of transmitting the bacteria, and it is recommended to avoid sharing cutlery, glasses and clothing with infected people.

The habit of washing your hands frequently or using alcohol gel to keep your hands clean can help decrease the likelihood of infection.

People who have been close to people with meningitis C need to see a health professional to receive preventive medication.

Diagnosis of Meningitis C

The initial diagnosis of meningitis C is made by an infectologist or neurologist based on the analysis of symptoms. Confirmation, however, can only be done through laboratory tests, such as blood count, lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or CSF analysis, in which the presence of Neisseria meningitidis is investigated .

After the exam is performed, the doctor will be able to confirm the disease and, thus, prepare an intervention plan as quickly as possible in order to avoid possible complications. See what are the consequences of meningitis.

How the treatment is done

The treatment for meningitis C is done in a hospital environment, to prevent the spread of the bacteria, using intravenous antibiotics specific to the bacterium. In addition, it is recommended that the person remains at rest and is monitored intensively by the medical team.

Treatment should be done as soon as possible to prevent epidemics and serious complications for the person.

Prevention of Meningitis C

The easiest and most effective way to prevent meningitis is through vaccination, which can be administered from 3 months of age. The vaccine for this type of meningitis is called the Meningococcal C Vaccine and is available at health centers. This vaccine lasts between 1 and 2 years and, therefore, should be taken in children up to 4 years old and in adolescents between 12 and 13 years old. Learn more about the vaccine that protects meningitis.

The adverse effects of this vaccine are usually brief and mild, such as pain, swelling and redness at the application site, in addition to low fever.

In addition to vaccination, it is important to avoid contact with infected people, wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing food and personal effects.