Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
Bacterial Meningitis: The Importance of Immunizations | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
How do you catch bacterial meningitis, and what are the chances of a child from birth to the age of five catching it?— 3 Worried Moms in Louisiana | | | ANSWER |
May 14, 2001 | | | Dear 3 Worried Moms,
I'm pleased you asked this question because many parents don't realize that their children could be at risk for developing bacterial meningitis, and that two of the most common (and severe) kinds can be prevented simply by being sure your children get their routine childhood immunizations on time.
Meningitis is an infection of the lining (or meninges) covering the brain. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial meningitis usually is much more serious than viral, and it most often is caused by one of three kinds of bacteria: pneumococci, meningococci, or Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). These bacteria are spread by direct contact or by respiratory secretions (e.g., nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, etc).
Fortunately, there are now excellent safe vaccines that can be given beginning at age two months to prevent most pneumococcal and Hib meningitis in young children. Not all types of meningococcal disease can be prevented by vaccines, but people who have had close exposure to someone with this infection may benefit from preventive antibiotics.
As far as the chances of a child's developing bacterial meningitis, here's what we know: There are about 700 cases of pneumococcal meningitis in the United States each year. Most are in children under the age of two years. Meningococcal meningitis currently is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 to 18 years. About 2,600 people develop meningococcal meningitis or an equally serious meningococcal bloodstream infection (meningococcemia) each year and about 10 to 15 percent die. Before the Hib vaccine was available, about 20,000 people (mainly under age five) developed serious Hib disease each year and about 1,000 died. Nowadays, it is extremely rare to see serious Hib disease in the United States because the vaccine works so well. Children who have not received Hib vaccine are at risk, however.
So--if the reason you were asking this question is because you were wondering whether or not you should have your children immunized, I hope you are convinced that bacterial meningitis is a real threat to children and that getting them immunized--and immunized on time--is one of the most important things you can do to help keep your children healthy.— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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