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Frequently Asked Questions

When is meningitis at its highest?

Meningitis UK, Frequently Asked Questions
Viral meningitis is more common in summer, bacterial meningitis in winter. During the winter months, the number of cases of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia dramatically rise, peaking in February. Based on figures from recent years, about 250 people in England and Wales are likely to be diagnosed with the disease in the first four weeks of January alone.
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What is meningitis?

City of Shaker Heights - Health
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ.
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Can they give you meningitis?

Snail & Slug Frequently Asked Questions [Pet Snails]
far as I am aware, only wild caught snails that carry the disease can pass on meningitis and only if they are undercooked and then eaten. Obviously you should wash your hands after you handle any pet, and observe proper hygiene in the regular cleaning of tanks and not allowing food to rot or become moldy.
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Are there vaccines against meningitis?

Boynton Health Service: Meningitis FAQs
Yes, there are vaccines against Hib and against some strains of N. meningitidis (meningococcal disease) and many types of Streptococcus pneumonia. The vaccines against Hib are very safe and highly effective. Boynton Health Service can administer this vaccine, but it is not covered under the student services fee. For more information, please call Boynton Health Service at 612-625-3222.
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What is meningococcal meningitis?

Meningitis FAQ
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection. The disease is expressed as either meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, the presence of bacteria in the blood.
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Commonly Asked Questions
Meningitis is inflammation of the protective layers that surround the brain and spinal cord. These layers are called the meninges.
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If I get meningitis once can I get it again?

Commonly Asked Questions
It is very unusual for anyone to have meningitis more than once, but it is possible. Most people develop immunity to the organism that has caused their disease. However, there are several different causes of meningitis and therefore it is possible, but rare, to have the disease more than once.
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Meningitis Can meningitis be treated?

City of Shaker Heights - Health
Meningococcal meningitis can be treated with antibiotics. It is important, however, that treatment be started early in. Appropriate antibiotic treatment of most common types of bacterial meningitis should reduce the risk of dying from meningitis to below 15%, although the risk is higher among the elderly.
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How is meningitis diagnosed?

City of Shaker Heights - Health
The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted into the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible. Identification of the type of bacteria responsible is important for selection of correct antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, the patient should see a doctor immediately.
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Meningococcal Disease - Health Conditions and Diseases
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, the patient should see a doctor immediately. The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted into an area in the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible. Identification of the type of bacteria responsible is important for selection of correct antibiotics.
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Is meningitis contagious?

Meningococcal Disease - Health Conditions and Diseases
Yes, some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing). Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as things like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.
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Where can I get more information about meningitis?

Prevenar - Frequently asked questions
If you would like more information on how to spot the signs and symptoms of any form of meningitis, contact any of the following organisations that provide excellent backup in this area:
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What if my child has been exposed to meningitis?

Lincoln Unified School District
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, but it can also be caused by certain medications or illnesses. There are two types of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but it is serious and can be life-threatening if not treated right away. Viral meningitis is relatively common, but rarely serious infection.
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Quality Health | Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the tissues (meninges) and sometimes the fluid (cerebral spinal fluid, or CSF) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis results in swelling of the brain tissue and in some cases the spinal tissue (spinal meningitis ). When brain tissue swells, less blood and oxygen reach brain cells. If not treated, this can cause brain damage in some cases.
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CATSCLEM GEZONDHEID en ZIEKTE - HEALTH and DISEASE
Foto Foto van hersenen die aangetast zijn door de pneumokok, met een onsteking van de hersenen als gevolg HealthLibrary at MerckSource: Meningitis Acute aseptic meningitis, aseptic meningitis, bacterial meningitis, basilar meningitis, benign lymphocytic meningitis, benign lymphocytic meningitis, meningitis carcinomato˘sa, carcinomatous meningitis, cerebral meningitis, cerebrospinal meningitis, chronic meningitis, cryptococcal meningitis, eosinophilic meningitis, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis.
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Meningitis
The infection occurs most often in children, teens, and young adults. Also at risk are older adults and people who have long-term health problems, such as a weakened immune system. Viral meningitis is fairly common. It usually does not cause serious illness. In severe cases, it can cause prolonged fever and seizures. Bacterial meningitis is not as common but is very serious. It needs to be treated right away to prevent brain damage and death. The two kinds of meningitis share the same symptoms.
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Viral (Aseptic) Meningitis | DoItYourself.com
Meningitis is an illness in which there is inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Viral or aseptic meningitis, which is the most common type, is caused by an infection with one of several types of viruses. Meningitis can also be caused by infections with several types of bacteria or fungi.
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Can anyone suffer from meningitis and septicaemia?

Meningitis UK, Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. These diseases can affect anyone at anytime in their life. This is why it is crucial for everyone to be aware of the possible symptoms and to act quickly if they suspect something is wrong. However babies and children under the age of five (peaking around two years), followed by young people aged between 14 and 24 years are the most at risk. Around 2,300 people are affected by meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in the UK each year.
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How do people catch bacterial meningitis?

Meningitis UK, Frequently Asked Questions
While bacterial meningitis and septicaemia are rare, the bacteria which actually cause the diseases are quite common, with 10 to 30 percent of young adults carrying the meningococcal bacteria and up to 60 percent of young children carrying the pneumococcal bacteria at any time. These bacteria normally live harmlessly at the back of the nose and throat and can only be passed from person to person in nasal or oral droplets, for example by kissing or sneezing.
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If someone I know has meningitis will I catch it?

Meningitis UK, Frequently Asked Questions
The chances of catching meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia from someone you know are slight as the bacteria can only be passed on through close contact such as kissing and sneezing and can only survive outside the body for a few seconds.
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