Meningitis, Pneumococcal
|
 |
|
What is pneumococcal meningitis?
-
The bacteria are carried in the back of the throat, often without causing illness.
- Many people carry pneumococcal bacteria, starting in the first year of life.
|
|
What are the signs and symptoms of Pneumococcal Meningitis?
-
Fever, drowsiness, irritability, severe headache, vomiting, stiff and painful neck
How is Pneumococcal Meningitis spread?
-
Pneumococcal bacteria are spread through contact with droplets from nose, eyes or mouth of an infected child.
Are there any special precautions for Pneumococcal Meningitis?
-
The child may return to school after at least 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.
What can parents/guardians do?
-
Immunization is recommended for all children under 2 years of age and for
children between ages of 2 & 5 if high risk or attending daycare.
- Check your
child’s immunization record to see if he/she has had Pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine (PREVNAR™).
Children born in Ontario
on or after Jan 1, 2004 are able to receive this vaccine at no charge.
-
Watch your child
for signs and symptoms of meningitis.
- Contact your
doctor or local health unit with any questions or concerns.
- Teach your child
to cover his/her mouth when coughing or sneezing and not to share food, drink
or eating utensils with others.
- Good hand
washing by staff and children with soap and water after coughing, sneezing,
wiping nose, changing a diaper or eating or preparing food is also very
important.
Pneumococcal disease is a reportable disease and must be reported to your local Medical Officer of Health
under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Health Information Line
at
the Brant County Health Unit 519-753-4937 extension 259
|
|
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 October 2009 )
|
Health Topics