Meningitis

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective tissues covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Viral meningitis is an infection caused by viruses. Bacterial meningitis is an infection caused by bacteria. Bacterial meningitis, like meningococcal meningitis and meningococcemia, is a rare but serious infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitides.

The bacteria can cause meningococcal disease in two forms:

Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord)
Septicemia (infection of the blood and organs).

Meningococcal disease causes death in up to 15 percent of cases. Approximately 20 percent of survivors suffer some form of disability such as hearing loss, neurological damage or loss of a limb.

Both meningococcal meningitis and meningococcemia are treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of meningitis

Fever
Intense headache
Vomiting and nausea
Stiff neck
Rash
Feeling unwell

How is it spread?

The bacteria spread from person to person by direct saliva contact. Sharing things like food and drinks, eating utensils and cups, lipstick, lip gloss or cigarettes and kissing are most likely to spread meningococcal bacteria.

When a case of meningococcal disease is reported to public health, staff will quickly identify and contact anyone who may have been exposed to the disease and give specific recommendations.

Who is at risk?

Although anyone can get infected with meningococcal disease, it is most common in children under five, adolescents, and young adults, especially those living in dormitories. In Canada, most outbreaks have occurred in high schools, universities, and colleges.

How can I protect myself?

Get vaccinated. The provincial government funds the meningococcal A, C, Y, and W vaccines to all students in Grades 7 to 12 at no cost.
Avoid sharing items that have come in contact with another person’s mouth.
Use good hand washing techniques and use your sleeve or elbow to cover coughs and sneezes.

Meningococcal vaccine

Vaccines are available that protect against some strains of meningococcal bacteria.The meningococcal vaccine provided at Grade 7 school clinics (Meningococcal conjugate ACYW) protects against four strains of meningococcal disease.

It is recommended that youth and young adults receive at least one dose during their teenage years. It will provide good protection for five to seven years. Another dose of the vaccine would boost immunity before entering college or university.

There is also a vaccine to protect against the B strain of the disease. This vaccine is only publicly funded for people who have had close contact with an infectious case of hepatitis B. Some private insurance plans may cover this vaccine. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about this vaccine.

Are there side effects from the meningococcal vaccine?

The risk of the vaccine causing serious harm is minimal.
All the components of the vaccine have been found to be very safe.
Common side effects are soreness and redness at the site of the injection, and a mild fever for one to two days.
Most severe side effects, like high fever, trouble breathing, hives and convulsions, are extremely rare.
If serious side effects occur, see your health care provider right away or go directly to the hospital.

Who should not get the Meningococcal A, C, Y, and W 135 vaccine?

You should not get the meningococcal vaccine if you:

Have a fever or anything more serious than a minor cold. You should delay getting the vaccine until you are well.
Have a known allergy to any part of the vaccine used, diphtheria toxoid, or latex (in the vial stopper).
Have been immunized within the last six months with other vaccines for meningococcal disease.
Are on high dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents, or who have immunosuppressive illness should delay vaccination until condition/treatment has resolved wherever possible. Talk to your health care provider.
Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your healthcare provider.

Grade 7 vaccine program

The meningococcal vaccine is available free to all Grade 7 students in Ontario. Public Health offers this vaccine in elementary schools across Waterloo Region.

The meningococcal vaccine is a mandatory vaccine for school attendance in Waterloo Region under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

Children who have received the meningococcal type C vaccine still require vaccination with the meningococcal type ACYW vaccine in Grade 7. Protection from that vaccine decreases over time and a booster dose is needed.

Grade 7 School Vaccine Clinics