Safety, Health & WellbeingMeningitis emergency arrangements

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can be divided into two main types; viral and bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is reasonably common but rarely fatal. Bacterial forms are comparatively rare but can be fatal.

It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis is considered to be a low risk for the majority of staff. Students in full time education are at higher risk of the disease than their peers, especially those in first year. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but aren’t ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis but this is less common.

Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Kissing
  • Sharing utensils, cutlery and toothbrushes

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

  • A high temperature (fever) over 37.5oc (99.5F)
  • Being sick
  • A headache
  • A blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
  • A stiff neck
  • A dislike of bright lights
  • Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
  • Seizures (fits)

These symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear. Some may also be mistaken for something else, such as flu or a hangover.

You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you're concerned that you could have meningitis. Trust your instincts and don't wait until a rash develops.

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately if you think you might be seriously ill.

Call the NHS 24 '111' service or your GP surgery for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.

People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection.

Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week. Treatments include:

  • Antibiotics given directly into a vein
  • Fluids given directly into a vein
  • Oxygen through a face mask

Viral meningitis tends to get better on its own within 7 to 10 days and can often be treated at home. Getting plenty of rest and taking painkillers and anti-sickness medication can help relieve the symptoms in the meantime.

The risk of someone with meningitis spreading the infection to others is generally low. But if someone is thought to be at high risk of infection, they may be given a dose of antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

This may include anyone who has been in prolonged close contact with someone who developed meningitis, such as:

  • People living in the same house
  • Students sharing a flat

People who have only had brief contact with someone who developed meningitis won't usually need to take antibiotics.

In event of a student or member of staff having meningitis, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Public Health Protection Unit (PHPU) will take the lead. They will trace the close contacts of the student or member of staff and give medical advice and antibiotics as necessary.

The University has a plan in place for responding to such incidents which has been provided to PHPU. PHPU will notify the University of any member of staff or student that is a probable or confirmed case of meningitis. The University will liaise with PHPU to provide support and assistance, particularly where information is to be cascaded as a precautionary measure to those who are not deemed as close contacts but may have attended the same classes or have had limited contact with the person.

Where a member of staff receives a call from a student or a colleague informing them that they may have meningitis then the information detailed in the checklist found below should be obtained and passed to Occupational Health on 0141 548 4824 or Disability and Wellbeing Adviser on 0141 548 3402 as soon as possible. Upon receiving this information they will contact PHPU.

A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis. Children should receive most of these as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.

Students commencing University should speak to their GP if they are not sure whether their vaccinations are up-to-date. Overseas students may have had a different childhood vaccination programme and should check with their GP whether they require a vaccination. All first year students are encouraged to receive the Men ACWY vaccine if they have not already been vaccinated against the 4 different strains of the meningococcal bacteria.

Students moving away from home to start University should register locally with a GP surgery or health centre when they get to University. If you are having difficulty with this then the University’s Disability and Wellbeing Service can provide advice, or by telephoning 0141 548 3402.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis in yourself and others. Seek medical help if there is any doubt. Let somebody know if you are feeling unwell so they can check on you.