Meningitis
My son was two months old when he contracted meningitis. We were living in West Africa where medical facilities are limited. Fortunately, he was quickly diagnosed and made a swift recovery.
In 2004 the United Kingdom issued new information regarding meningitis.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. There are two types: viral and bacterial. My son had the milder form which is viral and his body managed to fight off the disease without medical treatment.
There are several different types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. In the United Kingdom meningococcal bacteria is the most common cause.
In some cases a condition called septicaemia happens, which is blood poisoning. Some meningitis sufferers can contract both, and others can carry both separately.
The meningococcal bacteria can be carried in the throat and mouth without making the carrier ill. The bacteria can be transmitted by coughing, kissing and sneezing.
Both septicaemia and meningitis are extremely rare. Statistics show that there are only 2500 cases every year.
Meningitis can affect anyone but it is children under five who are mainly affected, and sadly some will die.
Symptoms
Early signs include fever and vomiting. My son showed both symptoms. He was lethargic and vomited several times. He seemed to be unable to open his eyes and moaned quite a lot. I knew instantly something was wrong when I picked him up and he was hot and clammy. I later found out from a doctor friend of mine that if a child spikes a temperature of 37.5 are higher then to seek medical help immediately. My son’s temperature was recorded as 37.9.
Here is a list of symptoms to look for in a baby or young child:
- A high pitched scream or moaning.
- A bulging soft spot – check your baby’s fontanel.
- Abnormally stiff or floppy body.
- Blotchy skin getting paler or turning blue
In adults, the symptoms are as follows:
- Headache.
- Staring expression.
- Dislike of bright lights.
- Stiff neck.
- Rapid or difficulty breathing.
- Shivers.
- A purple red or brown rash or marks on the body.
- Cold hands and feet.
How to find a septicaemia rash
The rash appears purple red or in a pattern of brown pin pricks.
Press a clear glass against the rash and if it stays then it is septicaemia. Other rashes will disappear under the glass.
Treatment
A course of antibiotics will be administered. My son was fed a line into his toe and given antibiotics every six hours. At this stage they were unaware of the type of meningitis he had contracted and were treating him with the worse case scenario.
He was given a lumbar puncture which is a procedure where fluid is drawn from the spine. A culture is grown to determine what type of meningitis is present. In my son’s case he had the viral form. His medication was stopped and his body rejected meningitis on its own.
Most children make a full recovery from meningitis. However, there can be long term effects for some sufferers such as loss of hearing, behavioural problems, and sadly brain damage.
Prevention
Most children are naturally immune against meningitis and septicaemia. However, the safest and most effective way to prevent this terrible disease is to have the Hib and Meningitis vaccination. This is given routinely for babies in the United Kingdom.
Further Information
Meningitis Research Foundation 24 hour Freephone 080 8800 3344
This is a members article written by MUM2MAXTOM
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