Question about meningitis...?

Question

Hi! My 11 month old daughter and I had lunch with my dad today. Later he called and told me to be sure and wipe her down good with a baby wipe or something because he found out a lady he works with (that he shook hands with earlier) has been hospitalized with meningitis. Both my daughter and I had physical contact with my dad. I have put in a call to the pediatrician and am waiting to hear back. Does anyone know how contagious this is, what the chances are of contracting it that way, etc.? She is up on all of her immunizations. Now I am just a very worried mommy...does anyone have any input? Thanks!

Answer 1

I think you'll be fine but it's good to ask the pediatrician anyway. It can be contagious.

By chance, do you live in Ohio?

Answer 2

Meningitis is quite contageous, but only by direct contact.  The odds of bacteria being carried on your father's hands for several hours, and then being transferred to you or your baby is VERY, VERY low.

(THere are also many different types of meningitis. Some are more contageous, and more serious than others.)  Talk to your pediatrician, but don't fret or panic.  

Answer 3

This is from the CDC website...

Is meningitis contagious?

Yes, some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing). Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as things like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.

However, sometimes the bacteria that cause meningitis have spread to other people who have had close or prolonged contact with a patient with meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis (also called meningococcal meningitis) or Hib. People in the same household or day-care center, or anyone with direct contact with a patient's oral secretions (such as a boyfriend or girlfriend) would be considered at increased risk of acquiring the infection. People who qualify as close contacts of a person with meningitis caused by N. meningitidis should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting the disease. Antibiotics for contacts of a person with Hib meningitis disease are no longer recommended if all contacts 4 years of age or younger are fully vaccinated against Hib disease (see below).

Answer 4

Try not to worry and just wait for your pediatrician to call.  Odds are probably very low that anything will be wrong with your daughter.  I am sorry you are having to go through this though!