Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. Unlike bacterial meningitis, most people get better on their own without treatment. However, it is important that anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see their healthcare provider as soon as possible as any type of meningitis can be potentially serious. 

Only a doctor can determine if someone has meningitis, what it’s caused by, and the best possible treatment.  For babies less than a month old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness from viral meningitis.

Viruses that can cause meningitis are:

• Mumps virus 
• Herpesviruses, including Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex viruses, and varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles)
• Measles virus
• Influenza virus
• Arboviruses
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Unlike the previous mentioned, fungal meningitis develops after experiencing a severe fungal infection that spreads from somewhere else in the body to the brain or spinal cord.

Some fungal infections that could cause fungal meningitis include: 

• Cryptococcus

• Histoplasma

• Blastomyces

• Coccidioides

• Candida

There are various parasites that could cause meningitis or could affect the brain or nervous system in other ways. Overall, parasitic meningitis is much less common than viral and bacterial meningitis. 

Parasites that could cause a rare form of meningitis are called eosinophilic meningitis, eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, or EM.

There are three main parasites that cause EM:

• Angiostrongylus cantonensis (neurologic angiostrongyliasis)
• Baylisascaris procyonis (baylisascariasis; neural larva migrans)
• Gnathostoma spinigerum (neurognathostomiasis)

The Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine protects against one type of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria– serogroup B. 

• Applicable to: Children as young as 6 weeks of age and above

• Level of protection: 1-2 Years, booster is recommended

• When to get vaccinated: First dose can be administered as young as 6 weeks of age

Meningitis in older adults could present challenges, often manifesting with subtle symptoms that could be mistaken for age-related issues. Delayed diagnosis may lead to severe complications, as well as cognitive decline. Particularly the elderly and those with weakened immune systems could face increased susceptibility to infections. 

Vaccination, early recognition, and prompt treatment are critical in minimising the impact of meningitis in older populations, safeguarding against potential life-threatening consequences.

Challenges in meningitis prevention for adults, especially in high-risk groups, include waning immunity and variable vaccine coverage. Immunocompromised individuals may also have diminished vaccine efficacy. 

Regular booster shots and meningitis vaccination schedules are necessary. Healthcare providers should proactively communicate vaccine recommendations and emphasise their importance especially in high-risk populations. 

Travellers to Queensland should consider meningitis vaccines, especially if residing in communal settings. Consult with Coolangatta Medical Centre to be better informed on specific vaccine recommendations based on your travel plans and potential exposure risks.

Enhanced precautions are necessary in communal living environments, where the risk of meningitis transmission is elevated. Being aware of meningitis vaccine benefits can help contribute to a safer travel experience in these settings.

- Meningococcal meningitis is a contagious life-threatening infection. This can vary in duration, progress into severe cases and even lead to long-term complications or death. Prompt treatment is necessary, and recovery may take a few weeks.

- The meningitis vaccination can protect you and your loved ones against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. This prevents infections towards the brain, spinal cord, as well as the bloodstream. Meningitis vaccinations also help you avoid long-term disabilities that often come with surviving meningococcal disease.

When taking the meningitis vaccine, you may experience minor side effects after your shot. Most reactions are mild and will subsude after a few days without any complications. Common side effects of the meningococcal vaccines include:

• Headache (usually in adolescents and adults)
• Pain, redness and swelling at injection site
• Occasionally an injection-site lump (may last many weeks - no treatment needed)
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Mild fever
• Fever (especially for meningococcal B vaccine in under 2 years old)

It is recommended to give your baby paracetamol to reduce the risk of fever with meningococcal B vaccine. For more information, you can contact our team of healthcare providers in Coolangatta Medical Centre to learn how you can protect yourself and your child against meningococcal B and how to manage fever following meningococcal B vaccination in under 2 years of age.

- Typically, there are two doses of the meningococcal vaccine. A booster shot is recommended in late adolescence or early adulthood for continued protection. Always consult with your healthcare provider on what is best for you and your loved ones.

- Protection from the meningococcal vaccine varies by type. While some vaccines offer protection for several years, others may require booster doses for prolonged immunity. For more enquiries, you can contact us at Coolangatta Medical centre.

- It is still possible to contract meningitis because the vaccine may not cover all strains. However, vaccines provide strong protection against many types of meningitis and significantly reduce the risk, severity, and possible life-long complications.