Meningitis, what is it?
“It’s an infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain. Some forms of meningitis are caused by bacteria, others by viruses or fungi. Among bacterial meningitis, meningococcal meningococcal disease require special prevention measures. There are several types of meningococcus, the B and C strains being the most frequent in Europe. But before touching the meninges, thus triggering meningitis, the bacteria spreads in the blood. It can then cause serious infections, such as sepsis (general infections of the body) or damage to the blood vessels. In the most critical cases, an amputation may be necessary ”, specifies Dr. Muhamed-Kheir Taha, head of the National Meningococcal Reference Center at the Pasteur Institute.
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Meningitis: why are adolescents more affected?
“In fact, there are two peaks in the incidence of invasive meningococcal infections. One among the infantsless than 1 year old, the other in adolescents between 15 and 19 years old. This second peak is probably due to their social behavior, ”explains our expert. Meningococci are transmitted by aerosol (coughing, sneezing) upon contact within a meter and for more than an hour. This transmissionis therefore particularly active among teenagers, who spend a lot of time in groups (school, summer camps, etc.). The risks are also greater for those who frequent closed places with a high concentration of people, such as nightclubs, and have frequent flirtations.
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Meningitis: a case occurred in college, how to react?
When a case of meningitis occurs in a school or summer camp, the health authorities immediately put in place a prevention plan. If your child has been in close contact with the sick person, you will be informed. He will be examined and a two-day antibiotic treatment will be prescribed. If there is a vaccine against the strain responsible for the infection, it may also be prescribed.
Meningitis: should I have my child vaccinated for prevention?
Apart from any epidemic risk, vaccination against type C meningococcus is recommended. Listed on the vaccination schedule since 2010, it is recommended for children and young adults between 1 and 24 years old. One injection is enough. “In Great Britain, where this vaccination was systematically implemented in 1999, meningococcal C infections have almost disappeared”, underlines Dr Taha. On the other hand, there is no vaccine against meningococcus type B, responsible for 70% of meningitis. However, vaccines can be effective against certain strains. This is the case with MenBvac®, used during an exceptional vaccination campaign in the Seine-Maritime department, where a hyperendemic situation had been rife for several years. More “universal” meningococcal B vaccines are in development.
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Say Doctor… Is the vaccination reimbursed?
The three vaccines available against type C meningococcus (Menjugate®, NeisVac-C®, Meningitec®) are covered at 65% by Social Security.
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The Meningites France-Association Audrey association aims to raise awareness of the disease to parents, adolescents and young adults, and to provide support to families affected by the disease.
www.associationaudrey.fr
