Meningitis

Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.​
Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type. Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be very serious if left untreated.

Several meningitis vaccines provide protection against many infections that can cause meningitis.
A meningococcal vaccine refers to any vaccine used to prevent infection by Neisseria meningitidis. These various types of vaccines are effective against some or all of the following meningococcal serogroups: A, C, W-135, and Y. These vaccines have an efficacy rate ranging from 85 to 100% for at least two years.

Mencevax (GlaxoSmithKline) and NmVac4-A/C/Y/W-135 (JN-International Medical Corporation) are used worldwide. Mencevax ACWY is indicated for active immunization of adults and children over two years of age against meningococcal meningitis caused by meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y.

This vaccine can be used for:
1. Individuals who are close contacts of patients with diseases caused by meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y.
2. Travelers visiting countries where the disease is endemic or where a major outbreak is occurring.
3. Control of infectious disease outbreaks caused by meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y in isolated communities.
4. Patients with congenital abnormalities of properdin or the complement system, or with functional or anatomical asplenia.

Mencevax ACWY is not recommended for use in infants and children under two years of age because the vaccine has low antigenicity in this age group and antibodies persist for a shorter period of time.

Several different viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, including:
• meningococcal bacteria—there are several different types, known as A, B, C, W, X, Y, and Z
• pneumococcal bacteria
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria
• enterovirus – a virus that usually causes only mild stomach infections
• Mumps virus
• herpes simplex virus – a virus that typically causes cold sores or genital herpes

A classic symptom of meningitis is a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, but this does not occur in many cases; other symptoms of meningitis include: ;
• high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
• Feeling sick and willing to be sick
• Quick to anger and lacking energy
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rapid breathing
• cold hands and feet
• Pale, spotty skin
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• A dislike of bright light
• Sleepiness
• Seizures