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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Meningitis A Contagious Disease?

I received an email from my workplace today stating that an employee in my organization had potential exposure to a form of meningitis. They told me the state was notified and did not feel there was cause for concern. However I am someone with an very poor immune system and I am also around children who are under 2 every day. Apparently this person does not work on my floor and they are saying she was sent home by her health provide and not registered as having an infectious disease. Should I still be concerned about potential exposure? Do I need to avoid being around my sisters 3 young kids?
Mon, 23 Feb 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

The brain is covered by three layers of membrane called meninges and the different layers are named dura mater, pia mater and arachnoid mater. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges. There can be many causes of meningitis like bacterial, tuberculous, viral and fungal. It is due to the infection entering the blood stream of a person and then spreading to the covering of the brain. This is usually not infectious and you are safe in your workplace. Even considering that you have a weak immune system and living around your sisters kids, there is no additional risk of meningitis just because another lady was found to have meningitis in another floor of your office. Please do not worry.
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Is Meningitis A Contagious Disease?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. The brain is covered by three layers of membrane called meninges and the different layers are named dura mater, pia mater and arachnoid mater. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges. There can be many causes of meningitis like bacterial, tuberculous, viral and fungal. It is due to the infection entering the blood stream of a person and then spreading to the covering of the brain. This is usually not infectious and you are safe in your workplace. Even considering that you have a weak immune system and living around your sisters kids, there is no additional risk of meningitis just because another lady was found to have meningitis in another floor of your office. Please do not worry.