Meningitis: all that is true
There is not one, but meningitis
True. It is an inflammation or infection of the meninges, the envelopes of the spinal cord and the brain (brain). This is why we also speak of “meningoencephalitis”. This disease mainly affects children and adolescents. It is most often due to a virus or bacteria (meningococci, pneumococci, etc.). Those caused by a fungus or a parasite are exceptional.
Neck stiffness is a common symptom
True. This is indeed the sign that the doctor is looking for during the examination. But it all starts with a high fever and an impairment of the general condition (drowsiness, restlessness…). These symptoms can be accompanied by violent headaches, vomiting, joint pain, convulsions …
Red spots on the body need to worry
True. Meningococcal meningitis can have small, red spots, like pinheads, that don’t go away when pressed. It is then necessary to consult a doctor without delay, because these spots are a sign of seriousness. They occur in two thirds of cases.
You can have your child vaccinated
True. Thanks to the Hib vaccination against “Haemophilus influenzae” type b, this meningitis, which affected children up to the age of 6, has practically disappeared. Toddlers can also be vaccinated against pneumococci, which is the cause of many ear infections and meningitis. The vaccine (Prevenar®) protects against seven of the most common groups of pneumococci. Practiced in children under 2 years old, it has reduced these infections by 20% since 2002. But there is not yet a vaccine against all meningitis.
BCG also prevents tuberculous meningitis
True. The BCG vaccine protects against Koch’s bacillus, which causes tuberculosis. However, this germ can also reach the meninges. BCG therefore protects against tuberculous meningitis. It is also its main merit to have eliminated this complication.
Meningitis: all that is wrong
Meningitis is very contagious
False … and true. The bacteria involved, such as meningococci, do not survive for long outside the body. They are transmitted by prolonged contact, through secretions from the nose or mouth. There may therefore be several cases in schools, but treatment quickly stops transmission.
Meningitis is always serious
False. Viral meningitis, the most frequent (70% of cases), is generally not serious. Symptoms disappear after a few days and treatment often comes down to taking paracetamol. To prevent their spread, hygiene measures are essential, including washing your hands more often than usual. There are, however, less benign viral meningitis. This is the case, fortunately rare, of those which are due to the herpes virus. Emergency antiviral treatment is then necessary.
Lumbar puncture has become unnecessary
False. Despite the arrival of modern techniques (scanner, MRI, etc.), it remains essential. This examination makes it possible to confirm the diagnosis, to specify the origin of the meningitis, possibly to identify the germ in question and to start the appropriate treatment. The lumbar puncture is unpleasant, but not really painful.
Vaccination against meningitis is compulsory in France
False. It is rarely practiced in France, because meningococci C represent only 20% of cases. But you can get your teenager vaccinated, especially if he has to stay in Great Britain or Ireland. Against meningitis B, predominant in France, there is not yet a universal vaccine. But a vaccine of Norwegian origin is currently used in Normandy, around Dieppe. Following an increase in cases in the region, a vaccination campaign has been implemented since 2006 among high school students aged 15 to 19.