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What is the illness commonly caused by?
Communicable disease caused by bacteria, viruses, and very rarely by fungi, and medications
How is Meningitis spread?
Saliva, respiratory droplets, throat secretions.
PPE?
Gown, Surgical Mask/N95 mask, Safety glasses, Face shield, gloves
where is the largest burden area? (Geographically?)
Sub-Saharan Africa (Senegal to Ethiopia)
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges, the protective membrane surrounding the brain and the spinal cord
Common Signs and Symptoms?
Common: neck stiffness, fever and headaches, nausea and vomiting
Common places for transmission to happen?
Dorms, Homeless shelter, (Group accommodations)
What is the incubation period for Viral Meningitis? (more common)
Contagious from <3 days after infection, showing symptoms >3 days after exposer
Name one (1) famous person's that have passed away from meningitis?
Helen Keller, Jeff Beck, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf. Juliette Powell
Uncommon Signs and Symptoms
Uncommon: seizures, coma, neurological deficits
What steps can you take in Preventing meningitis?
Vaccination, Good hand hygiene, aware of risk factors associated with the disease
What is the incubation period for Bacterial Meningitis? (uncommon)
24 hours after initial contact, generally 3-5 days for incubation period after initial exposure
What are Meninges?
3 membranes that line the vertebral canal and skull, enclosing the brain and spinal cord.
What other viruses cause meningitis?
Mumps, HIV, Measles, And Herpes.
What other viruses could meningitis spread with?
Measles and chicken pox
Treatment (Viral)
Symptom relief = rest, fluids, fever reducers (avoid aspirin)
Antivirals (specific viruses)
Hospital care = (severe symptoms ie Breathing difficulties)
What are the 3 membranes that line the vertebral canal and skull?
the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater
How is meningitis diagnosed?
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis (definitive)
Why is aspirin a contraindication for Meningitis treatment?
due to its link with Reye's Syndrome, a rare but severe condition causing brain swelling and liver damage that can be fatal
Treatment (Bacterial)
Antibiotics = High dose iv antibiotics before identifying then adjusted to specific bacteria
Steroids (corticosteroids) (reduce brain swelling)
Iv fluids (combat dehydration)