Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Bacterial Meningitis

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: February 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• What is bacterial meningitis?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Is it contagious?
• How is it treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is bacterial meningitis?

• It is a serious condition.
• It causes swelling of the lining of the brain.
• It could lead to brain damage or death if not treated right away.

What causes it?

• It is caused by a bacterial infection.

Who can get it?

• Anyone can get it. It is found all over the world.
• It most commonly affects children under 5 years old.
• Children in day care are more likely to get the infection.
• People living in college dorms, military settings, and other areas with many people are at higher risk.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Symptoms are different for each person. They usually start suddenly. They can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Confusion
• Rash or spots on the skin
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Feeling tired
• Difficulty waking up
• Seizures
• Hurts to look at bright lights
• Trouble breathing
• Poor appetite

In babies, symptoms are harder to notice. They can include:

• Fever or unusually low temperature
• Fussy behavior, irritability
• Crying (usually high-pitched)
• Difficulty waking up
• Refuses to eat
• Not comforted by being held
• May be more fussy when held
• Jaundice (skin look yellowish)
• Soft spot on baby's head may have swelled

Is it contagious?

• Yes. It is contagious.
• The infection can get in the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
• It can be spread by coughing and sneezing and through saliva.
• It can also spread if hands are not clean.
• It can be spread in stools. Parents can be infected if their hands are not washed after changing a baby's diaper.
• It can be spread if hands are not washed after using the restroom.

How is it treated?

• Take your child to the doctor immediately if she has symptoms.
• The doctor may take a "spinal tap." It takes a sample of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
• The test can usually tell the doctor if the meningitis is caused by a virus or bacteria.
• Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated right away.
• It can be treated with antibiotics.
• Children who are very ill may need to stay in the hospital.
• People who were in contact with an infected child should see a doctor, too. They could be infected.

How long does it last?

• It depends on the kind of bacteria causing the meningitis.
• It also depends on the individual and how well they can fight the infection.

Can it be prevented?

• Taking simple steps helps prevent the spread of infection.
• Wash hands often, especially after changing a baby's diaper or using the restroom.
• Wash hands often if you live with an infected person.
• Wash hands before eating or preparing food.
• Some types of meningitis can be prevented with a vaccine. The vaccine is a shot that will help protect the body against infection.
• Children in the U.S. usually get the vaccines in early childhood.
• Call your child's daycare or school. Children there may be infected, too.
• Those who live with many people, such as in a college dorm or military setting, are at risk. If someone near them is infected, they should see a doctor.

When should I call the doctor?

• Bacterial meningitis is an emergency. Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if your child has symptoms.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition or treatment.

Quick Answers

• Bacterial meningitis is a serious condition that causes swelling of the lining of the brain.
• It is caused by a bacterial infection.
• It is most common in children under 5 years old.
• Symptoms usually hit suddenly and can include fever, headache, neck pain or stiffness, or confusion. Babies may be unusually fussy.
• It can be spread by coughing and sneezing and through saliva.
• The infection needs to be treated right away with antibiotics.
• To help prevent the spread of infection, wash hands often. A vaccine may protect against some infection. Notify the school or daycare if your child is infected.
• Bacterial meningitis is an emergency. Call your doctor immediately if your child has symptoms.

References

• Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education. Bacterial Meningitis. (cited February 6).
• CDC. What You Should Know About Bacterial Meningitis in the Child Care Setting. 1997 January (cited February 6). URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/abc/facts03.htm
• Fisman, DN. Medical Encyclopedia: Meningitis. MEDLINEplus. 2001 September 08 (cited 2002 February 6). URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000680.htm
• Mayo Clinic. What is Meningitis? 2000 September 20 (cited 2002 February 6). URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00118

See related Patient Topics Bacterial Infections, Brain and Nervous System, Infections or Meningitis.

See related Provider Topics Brain and Nervous System or Infections.

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