Inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) occurs when a bacterium infects the fluid around the spinal cord and brain (cerebrospinal fluid). The meningococcal bacteria live in humans in the nose and throat. From there, they can spread as an airborne infection through small droplets of saliva from coughing and sneezing. There are different groups of meningococcal bacteria, including A, B, C, W, X and Y. The most common variant in Norway is Y. Particularly vulnerable to infection are: Children under the age of 5 Children of parents who smoke Young people aged 16 to 21 years Students and military who live close together Elderly over 65 Children in Norway are not vaccinated against meningococci as part of the vaccination programme, but during the Russian period it is recommended to take a meningococcal vaccine. In Norway, there are four approved meningococcal vaccines: two that protect against groups A, C, W and Y, and two meningococcal B vaccines. Symptoms of meningitis include: High fever Decreased general condition with lethargy/sleepiness Characteristic rash with bleeding in the skin The symptoms often come on very quickly with worsening over a few hours. Sources: Helsenorge.no and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health
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Children have been diagnosed with infectious meningitis in Moss – news Østfold – Local news, TV and radio
