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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