Download Meningitis Fact Sheet

CPCC Environmental Health and Safety
Meningitis
Fact Sheet and Notification Protocol
Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the tissue (called meninges) that surrounds the brain
and spinal cord. The inflammation may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms as well as
drugs (which is rare). The two primary classifications of meningitis are viral and bacterial. Viral meningitis is
caused by viruses while bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria.
Bacterial Meningitis
The types of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis vary according to an individual’s age group. In adults
(over age 18) Neisseria meningitdis and Streptococcus pneumoniae together are responsible for 80% of
bacterial meningitis cases.
Neisseria meningitidis - bacteria that can cause illness in people of any age. At any time, about 5-15% of
people have these bacteria in their throats or noses without getting sick. The bacteria are spread through
saliva (spit) during kissing, sharing of food, drinks or cigarettes, and by close contact with infected people who
are sneezing or coughing. People who have come in close contact with the saliva of a person with meningitis
from this type of bacteria may require antibiotics for infection prevention. Meningitis caused by these bacteria
is called “meningococcal.” There are vaccines available which can be used to help prevent this type of
meningitis.
Streptococcus pneumoniae- bacteria that cause lung and ear infections but can also cause “pneumococcal”
meningitis. These bacteria are usually found in the throat. Most people who have these bacteria in their throat
stay healthy. However, people with chronic medical problems or with weakened immune systems, and those
who are very young or very old, are at higher risk for getting pneumococcal meningitis. Meningitis caused by
Streptococcus pneumoniae is not spread from person-to-person.
Other bacteria can also cause meningitis, but meningitis from these other bacteria is much less common and
usually not contagious.
Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is also known as aseptic meningitis. Viral meningitis is much more common than bacterial
meningitis. Those infected with viral meningitis tend to be less sick than those with bacterial meningitis and
are usually able to recover with minimal medical intervention. Viral meningitis peaks in the late summer and
early fall. A group of viruses called enteroviruses is the most common cause of viral meningitis. These viruses
are found in the throat and feces (stool) of infected people. The virus is most likely to be spread when people
do not wash their hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper or soiled sheets, then touch their own
mouths, prepare food for others, or touch others with their contaminated hands. These viruses can also be
spread by close face-to-face contact.
Symptoms of meningitis
The most common symptoms include fever, a stiff and painful neck, headache, vomiting, trouble staying
awake, and seizures. Symptoms of meningitis may appear suddenly and without warning. Anyone who has or
observes these symptoms in others should contact a health care provider immediately.
How to prevent meningitis:
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Frequent hand washing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand rubs
No sharing of foods, drinks, or eating utensils
If exposed to an infected individual notify a healthcare provider for antibiotic prevention treatment
There are five vaccines currently available to prevent meningitis- a healthcare provider can determine
if this option is right for you
Treatment
See your healthcare provider immediately as treatment for meningitis depends on the cause. Bacterial
meningitis can be fatal if not treated right away.
In line with applicable federal, state, local standards, CPCC Policies and
Procedures/Guidelines; if a student or employee reveals that they have viral or bacterial meningitis the
following steps should be taken:
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The student or employee must notify the appropriate instructor, supervisor, or administrator in charge
as soon as reasonably feasible with medical proof of diagnosis (in writing) from a licensed medical
professional.
The appropriate instructor, supervisor or administrator in charge should notify Environmental Health
and Safety.
Environmental Health and Safety will consult with local public health official with jurisdiction
(Mecklenburg County Health Department) for recommendations if needed.
If recommended by the Health Department, Environmental Health and Safety will request that CPCC
Facility Services coordinate a thorough wipe down of possible affected surfaces and equipment with an
EPA approved disinfectant.
Advise employee or student to be aware of the obligation to conduct oneself in a manner to protect
themselves and others by adhering to the meningitis prevention methods mentioned above.