Meningitis in Children (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Meningitis in Children Overview
- Meningitis in Children Causes
- Meningitis in Children Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Meningitis in Children Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Prevention
Antibiotics are given to all intimate contacts of a child with meningococcal meningitis, a very specific type of bacterial meningitis. These intimate contacts may include family members, friends, health care workers, and even daycare or nursery contacts. Adults can contract this type of meningitis and become carriers of these bacteria. If adults have been given preventive antibiotics and then become sick or develop any symptoms, they need a full medical evaluation. Preventive antibiotics are not needed for cases of viral meningitis or other types of bacterial meningitis.
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Meningitis, Bacterial »
Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening illness that results from bacterial infection of the meninges.
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