Meningitis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcal infection. Many people (10-15% of the population) carry meningococcal bacteria at the back of the throat or nose without any ill effects. In rare instances, meningococci overcome the body's natural defences and cause serious diseases, including meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (infection of the blood stream).
The common signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection include one or more of the following:
Not all of these signs and symptoms will necessarily occur together. If you have sudden onset of the signs and symptoms or observe them in someone else, you should seek immediate medical help from the Students' Health Service. The normal working hours telephone number is +44 (0)117 330 2720; for out-of-hours advice contact NHS Choices on 111. In emergencies call 999.
Be aware that not all symptoms may present themselves - be particularly alert to unusually severe headache and/or high fever. When seeking medical advice, tell the doctor that cases of meningitis have recently occurred at the University.
The germs that cause bacterial meningitis are carried in the back of the throat of about one in ten people at any one time, but rarely cause illness. Most people who carry the bacteria become immune to them. The germs do not spread easily, but can be transferred from one person to another through secretions from the nose or throat during close contact. The infection is not acquired simply by being in the same room as an infected person.
Yes. The small number of people who get meningitis or septicaemia normally develop symptoms within two to seven days of being exposed to the bacteria.
Decisions about what needs to be done and the provision of advice is jointly undertaken by the Students’ Health Service and Public Health England (PHE). PHE seeks to ensure that anyone at risk is contacted.
Antibiotic tablets are usually only given to people living in close proximity to the patient with meningitis or septicaemia, or the patient's partner or spouse. The antibiotics kill any bacteria they may be carrying. Even if you are given this medicine it is important to watch out for the signs and symptoms. Antibiotics may be given to a particular group on the advice of PHE. These strong antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause meningococcal infection, but also destroy bacteria that help the body to fight off infections. That is why these antibiotics are given only when absolutely necessary.
If you are concerned that you may have been a close contact, but have not been identified as such, you should immediately contact either your GP or the Students' Health Service. The normal Students' Health Service working hours telephone number is +44 (0)117 330 2720; for out-of-hours advice contact NHS Choices by dialling 111.
PHE can also be contacted directly on 0300 3038162.
Do not avoid people just because they have been in contact with someone who has suspected meningitis or septicaemia. As about one in ten people carry the bacteria; you are in contact with it every day.
Do not avoid people just because you think you may have been in contact with someone who has suspected meningitis or septicaemia. However, you should help to raise awareness of the symptoms of meningitis, and of what to do if a case is suspected, among all those with whom you are in close contact.
Vaccines are offered within existing immunisation programmes. Contact your GP to find out more information about what is available to you.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection is one of the best forms of defence. Meningococcal infection can be treated with powerful antibiotics and careful management. This works best if it is given as soon as possible after you have been in touch with someone who has contracted the disease. That's why it is important to know what to look out for and to get medical help immediately if you are concerned about someone who is ill.
You should:
Due to patient confidentiality and data protection we do not give out such information. However close contacts should be the only people at increased risk and they will be traced as soon as possible. PHE and the University will make a concerted effort to trace and advise/treat these close contacts.
The risk of transmission of meningitis bacteria between people participating in sporting activities together, and subsequent contraction of the disease is extremely low. However, during the period of four weeks from the appearance of the last case, it would be sensible for teams that spend a prolonged period in close contact during sport to desist from sharing water bottles or drinking vessels. Otherwise, normal sporting life should continue including fixtures with outside teams.
