Childhood Meningitis

 

It is a bacterial or viral infection that makes the three thin layers of tissue that surround the brain and the spinal cord swell. The infection invades the cerebrospinal fluid(the fluid within the open spaces of the brain that protects and cushions the brain and spinal cord). A fungus or parasite may also cause this infection.

Bacterial meningitis can spread through coughing or sneezing, sharing drinks or kissing. In addition, chances of getting infected with meningitis increase by;

• Having been in close contact with a person who has bacterial meningitis(particularly when it’s due to meningococcus, a bacterial that is more contagious
• Having an immune system that is compromised
• Having travelled to a part of the world where meningitis is widespread

Bacterial meningitis can get worse very quickly. 1 in 5 children with this infection is left with permanent disabilities, such as deafness or cerebral palsy. In a few cases, it can lead to death. Viral meningitis is more common, but less lethal than bacterial meningitis.

Most kids will recover fully after being infected but it takes a while.

Symptoms

Its symptoms vary depending on what caused the infection and the age of the child. The most common symptoms include;

• In infants( though symptoms may be difficult to identify)

            Fever, Irritability, sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures, high-pitched crying and crying when picked up or being held.

• In children older than a year

           Neck or back pain, headache, sleepiness, confusion, irritability, fever, refusing to eat, decreased level of consciousness, seizures, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, and neck stiffness.

Treatment

Early treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids can reduce the swelling and inflammation in the child’s brain. Timing is crucial. If a child has these symptoms, please go to the nearest hospital right away.

If a child is in close contact with a person who has bacterial meningitis, they are at risk and should be taken to the hospital to be treated right away to prevent bacterial meningitis before symptoms occur.

Except for the herpes simplex virus, there are no medicines to treat the organisms that cause viral meningitis. Most kids infected with viral meningitis recover on their own without treatment.

Prevention

Several vaccines are available to prevent some of the bacteria that cause meningitis and they include;

• H.influenzae type b vaccine(Hib):  given as a 3 or 4-part series during your child’s routine immunizations starting at age 2 months
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine(PCV 7): recommended for all children aged 2 and below and children between the age of 24 to 59 months that are at high risk for pneumococcal infection. PCV 7 can be given alongside other childhood vaccines at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months.
• Meningococcal vaccine: for meningococcal meningitis; a very contagious form of bacterial meningitis. This vaccine is usually given during the routine pre-adolescent immunization visit at 11 to 12 years.
• Kids who are exposed to cigarette smoke are more at risk of getting infected with meningitis. Do not allow any person to smoke in your home or around your child.
• Good hygiene reduces the risk of getting viral or bacterial infections or passing them on to others. Do make sure that your child practice good hygiene always!

Follow-up visit

Most kids will make a full recovery after treating meningitis, but it takes a while. There are some possible after-effects of meningitis that the child may experience;

• General tiredness
• Frequent headaches
• Difficulty concentrating and having short-term memory lapses
• Clumsiness or having problems with balance
• Hearing problems
• Mood swings

Your child would need frequent check-ups after leaving the hospital to monitor their recovery.

Dr.Favvy

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