University ofSouth Wales
Department of Student Services
MENINGITIS UPDATE 2013-2014
THERE IS NO VACCINE AGAINST THE BACTERIA WHICHCAUSE MOST CASES OF MENINGITIS (SEE BELOW) VIGILANCE IS THEREFORE THE BEST DEFENCE
Q1Whatis meningitis?
Meningitis means inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain. It can be caused by viruses and several different bacteria. Viral meningitis is less serious than bacterial meningitis and rarely fatal.It is not normally spread from person to person. One of the three main types of bacteria causing illness in the UK is the meningococcus. Serogroups B and C are the most prevalent forms of this bacterial group causing illness in the UK. Serogroup C prior to vaccine being generally available was responsible for 35-40 % of cases of meningococcal disease in the UK whilst Serogroup B (for which there is no vaccine currently available) was responsible for 60-65% of cases. 1 in 10 of the population at any one time carry the meningococcus in the nose and throat without any ill effect.
Vigilance is therefore the best defence against this disease.
Q2 What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?
The signs and symptoms may include:
FEVER
VOMITING
SEVERE HEADACHE
NECK STIFFNESS
EYE DISCOMFORT FROM BRIGHT LIGHT
DROWSINESS OR CONFUSION LEADING TO UNCONSIOUSNESS
BACK AND JOINT PAINS
RASH (tiny red/purple spots or bruises occurring anywhere on the body and which do not fade under pressure)
Q3 Is meningitis contagious?
All the medical evidence available suggests that you need to be in close and regular contact with an infected person before you become at risk of picking up the bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis from them. The only people who are considered at risk are those who live in close contact or have regular prolonged contact with them.
Q4What action can be taken to prevent the disease?
A vaccine is now available against serogroup C which is thought to provide immunity for life. This is on offer to all children from an early age therefore all students should have been immunised.
Q5Howeffective is the vaccine?
IT IS IMPORTANT TO BEAR THE FOLLOWING IN MIND
The vaccine is only effective against serogroup C
Historically Serogroup C has accounted for only 35-40% of all cases of meningococcal meningitis in the UK
There is no vaccine yet available for serogroup B- historically this group has accounted for approximately 60-65% of all cases in the UK
Thus, it is essential that a very important golden rule is obeyed – know the signs and symptoms, remain vigilant at all times, seek medical advice if uncertain and look out for others
Q 6What if students have missed the childhood immunisation programme?
Vaccination is available for this category through GP practices up to age 24.Public Health Wales recommend that students make an appointment for immunisation with their GP Practice at least 10 days before leaving for University. If this has not been possible they should register with a GP on arrival and request immunisation.
Q 7What if students have never been offered immunisation e.g. some overseas and mature Students?
It is recommended that overseas students are immunised before coming to the UK. If this is not possible they are advised to register with a GP on arrival and request immunisation with that practice
It is recommended that mature students request immunisation with their GP practice at least 10 days before starting University
Q8What is the University of South Wales’s position on immunisation?
The University acts upon the advice of Public Health Wales
Q9Is there a University of South Wales protocol for dealing with incidents of meningitis?
Yes. This is included in the University’s Contingency Management Plan
THE ESSENTIAL POINT IN THE PROTOCOL IS THAT ANY SUSPECTED CASE OF MENINGITIS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY POPULATION SHOULD BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICE MANAGER.
Q10How are we raising awareness of the disease amongst our students and staff?
All new students are advised in their ‘Getting Started’ guide
to be immunised against meningitis and there is information and a video available on the Health Service website.
Information is displayed in rooms in University Halls of Residence and Resident Tutors show the video in their induction meetings.
Q11Where is further information available?
The Health CentreTreforest campus01443 482081
The Meningitis helpline 08088010 388
(24 hours-free call)
Public Health Wales 02920 402478