Meningitis is a medical condition in which the wrappings
that cover the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. It is nearly
always caused by an infection,
and can cause symptoms such as fever, vomiting, a stiff neck, dislike
of bright lights, confusion and seizures. If the infection also causes
septicaemia (blood poisoning), then the patient will also develop a rash
all over their body, which does not fade when pressed against a glass.
Meningitis
C is a specific type of meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria. In
the UK, babies are vaccinated against meningitis C, and young adults
can also receive a booster meningitis C vaccination when they are at
school or attending university.
Contracting Meningitis C
If
you received the meningitis C vaccine as a baby, plus a booster as a
young adult or teenager, or before going travelling, you will be
well-protected against meningitis C. However there are a few things to
be aware of when it comes to meningitis C if haven’t been fully
vaccinated.
Meningitis C is most likely to affect
babies, young children, teenagers, young adults, and the elderly, as
well as anyone who has a compromised immune system. It is caused by the
MenC strain of meningococcal bacteria. This strain, like the other major
types of meningococcus, can cause meningitis and septicaemia (otherwise
known as meningococcal disease). This is a life-threatening condition,
and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Meningococcus is spread through
respiratory fluid, and be contracted from kissing, coughing, sneezing,
or sharing toothbrushes or utensils. Because it can be spread by a
carrier who has not become ill themselves, it’s not always easy to
avoid.
Meningitis C Symptoms
The
symptoms of meningitis C are the same as the symptoms for the other
meningococcal strains. To begin with, the symptoms are flu-like, and
typically involve a fever, vomiting, nausea and a headache. After that,
more distinctive symptoms emerge:
- Aching joints
- Breathlessness
- Cold hands and feet
- Pale or mottled skin
- A stiff neck
- A rash
- Dislike of bright lights
- Confusion
- Excessive drowsiness
- Seizures
In babies, you may notice that they:
- Have a bulging soft spot on their head
- Are refusing to feed
- Are irritable or agitated
- Have gone floppy and unresponsive
- Have gone stiff
- Are crying or moaning in an unusual way
Meningitis Rash
Perhaps
the most recognisable symptom of meningitis is the all-over body rash
that does not go away when you press a clear glass against it. Though
the rash does not present in all cases of meningitis, it is a classic
symptom of bacterial - and more specifically, meningococcal -
meningitis. The meningococcal bacteria that causes meningitis C can
cause septicaemia, which is what causes the body rash.
The
rash will at first appear as small, red pinpricks and will spread
quickly across the body. The spots will become larger and more blotchy,
and may change colour, becoming darker. You should use the “glass test”
described above to check your rash and see if it has been caused by
septicaemia. Septicaemia requires immediate medical attention.
Treatment for Meningitis C
If
you are diagnosed with meningitis C, you will require medical care in a
hospital. You will be treated with antibiotics, which will tackle the
bacterial infection and clear up the septicaemia and the meningitis. In
some cases, meningitis C can leave lasting medical problems, such as
neurological damage and scarring. In extreme cases where the septicaemia
has been allowed to progress for too long, amputation of damaged tissue
may be required.
The important thing to know is
that time is crucial when it comes to meningitis. If you think you may
have it, you should go to A&E as soon as possible.
The Meningitis C Vaccine
In
the UK, babies are routinely immunised against meningitis C for free on
the NHS. Teenagers and young adults entering university for the first
time will also be offered the meningitis C vaccination, as part of the
ACWY vaccine.
The Meningitis ACWY vaccine
offers protection against four different strains of meningococcal
bacteria that cause meningitis: MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. It offers
good protection to young adults entering the university environment, but
is also a necessary precaution for certain travellers.
People
taking part in the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia are
required to receive the ACWY vaccine before entering the country.
Travellers to certain African countries are also advised to receive the
vaccine.
Order the Meningitis ACWY vaccine here. Alternatively, take our free travel vaccines assessment to find out what you need.
