Alert
Facts on Bacterial Meningitis
September 6, 2007

Bacterial Meningitis (Meningococcal) is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. It is a rare disease, but can have serious health effects and is sometimes fatal.  Columbus had a total of seven cases in 2006.

Who is at Risk

Bacterial Meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (coughing, kissing) with someone who is ill or is a carrier of the bacteria.  Meningitis is not spread by casual contact or by breathing the air where a person with Meningitis has been. Family members and other intimate contacts are the most at risk.

Teens and young adults between the ages of 15-24 are the most at risk for getting Bacterial Meningitis because of close living conditions such as living in a dorm and having increased social contacts such as kissing or sharing drinking glasses, water bottles, cigarettes and eating utensils.

Common symptoms:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck  

Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Light sensitivity
• Confusion
• Rash
• Seizures 

It is important to seek medical care immediately because early diagnosis and treatment are very important.  Bacterial Meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics.

Preventing Bacterial Meningitis

A vaccine is available to help prevent infection.  While this vaccine is not required, Columbus Public Health strongly encourages this shot for teens starting at 11 or 12 years old and especially for college students living in a dorm. 

Not sharing drinking glasses, water bottles, and other similar things is also important to stop the spread of this disease. 

Information on Columbus Public Health Immunization Program.

More Information

CDC Facts on Meningococcal Disease