Meningitis (bacterial)

Report to health unit immediately. (tel: 705-267-1181 or fax: 705-360-7324)

Incubation period:

2-10 days

Signs and symptoms:

Symptoms may include all or one or any combination of: fever, stiff neck, headache, vomiting, unusual sleepiness, irritability, lack of appetite; sometimes rash or seizures. 

How it is spread:

Contact with respiratory tract secretions of an infected person.  

Contagious period:

Until 24 hours after starting effective antibiotic treatment. 

Exclusion guidelines:

Exclude until child has been treated and is well enough to participate in normal daily activities.

What can be done:

Other children (especially infants) should be watched for signs of illness, especially fever.

Parents of children at risk will be notified by the Health Unit.

Health Unit staff will advise those at risk of need of antibiotics and/or vaccination.