Download meningitis update - Health Service

University of South Wales
Department of Student Services
MENINGITIS UPDATE 2013-2014
THERE IS NO VACCINE AGAINST THE BACTERIA WHICH
CAUSE MOST CASES OF MENINGITIS (SEE BELOW)
VIGILANCE IS THEREFORE THE BEST DEFENCE
Q1
What is meningitis?
Meningitis means inflammation of the meninges, the membranes
covering the brain. It can be caused by viruses and several different
bacteria. Viral meningitis is less serious than bacterial meningitis
and rarely fatal. It is not normally spread from person to person.
One of the three main types of bacteria causing illness in the UK is
the meningococcus. Serogroups B and C are the most prevalent
forms of this bacterial group causing illness in the UK. Serogroup C
prior to vaccine being generally available was responsible for 35-40
% of cases of meningococcal disease in the UK whilst Serogroup B
(for which there is no vaccine currently available) was responsible
for 60-65% of cases. 1 in 10 of the population at any one time carry
the meningococcus in the nose and throat without any ill effect.
Vigilance is therefore the best defence against this disease.
Q2
What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?
The signs and symptoms may include:
 FEVER
 VOMITING
 SEVERE HEADACHE
 NECK STIFFNESS
 EYE DISCOMFORT FROM BRIGHT LIGHT
 DROWSINESS OR CONFUSION LEADING TO
UNCONSIOUSNESS
 BACK AND JOINT PAINS
 RASH (tiny red/purple spots or bruises occurring anywhere on
the body and which do not fade under pressure)
Q3
Is meningitis contagious?
All the medical evidence available suggests that you need to be in
close and regular contact with an infected person before you
become at risk of picking up the bacteria that causes meningococcal
meningitis from them. The only people who are considered at risk
are those who live in close contact or have regular prolonged
contact with them.
Q4
What action can be taken to prevent the disease?
A vaccine is now available against serogroup C which is thought to
provide immunity for life. This is on offer to all children from an early
age therefore all students should have been immunised.
Q5
How effective is the vaccine?
IT IS IMPORTANT TO BEAR THE FOLLOWING IN MIND
 The vaccine is only effective against serogroup C
 Historically Serogroup C has accounted for only 35-40% of all
cases of meningococcal meningitis in the UK
 There is no vaccine yet available for serogroup B - historically
this group has accounted for approximately 60-65% of all cases
in the UK
Thus, it is essential that a very important golden rule is obeyed –
know the signs and symptoms, remain vigilant at all times,
seek medical advice if uncertain and look out for others
Q6
What if students
immunisation programme?
have
missed
the
childhood
Vaccination is available for this category through GP practices up to
age 24. Public Health Wales recommend that students make an
appointment for immunisation with their GP Practice at least 10 days
before leaving for University. If this has not been possible they
should register with a GP on arrival and request immunisation.
Q7
What if students have never been offered immunisation
e.g. some overseas and mature Students?
 It is recommended that overseas students are immunised
before coming to the UK. If this is not possible they are advised
to register with a GP on arrival and request immunisation with
that practice
 It is recommended that mature students request immunisation
with their GP practice at least 10 days before starting University
Q8
What is the University of South Wales’s position on
immunisation?
The University acts upon the advice of Public Health Wales
Q9
Is there a University of South Wales protocol for dealing
with incidents of meningitis?
Yes. This is included in the University’s Contingency Management
Plan
THE ESSENTIAL POINT IN THE PROTOCOL IS THAT ANY
SUSPECTED CASE OF MENINGITIS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY
POPULATION SHOULD BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICE MANAGER.
Q10
How are we raising awareness of the disease amongst
our students and staff?
 All new students are advised in their ‘Getting Started’ guide
to be immunised against meningitis and there is information and
a video available on the Health Service website.
 Information is displayed in rooms in University Halls of
Residence and Resident Tutors show the video in their induction
meetings.
Q11
Where is further information available?
The Health Centre Treforest campus
01443 482081
The Meningitis helpline
(24 hours-free call)
0808 80 10 388
www.meningitisnow.org
Public Health Wales
www.publichealthwales.wales.nhs.uk
02920 402478
SG 09/01/14