Meningitis in the workplace

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. There are two different types of meningitis:

• Bacterial meningitis is very serious and can cause severe brain and tissue damage if left untreated. Bacterial meningitis requires treatment with antibiotics and hospital admission. It can lead to meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) which can be fatal.
• Viral meningitis is the most common and less serious type of the illness. It is generally treated with rest and painkillers, although hospital admission may be required in some cases for pain control.

The most common symptoms of meningitis include severe headache, vomiting, high temperature/fever, stiff neck and sensitivity to light. Some people also develop a distinctive rash.

Although meningitis can occur at any time of the year, the number of bacterial meningitis cases rise during the winter months and the number of viral meningitis cases increase during the summer months.

How does meningitis affect the workplace?

Because the germs causing bacterial meningitis are not passed easily from person to person, most cases are isolated. When there has been a case of meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia, the local public health team may offer antibiotics to people who have been identified as 'close contacts' in order to reduce the risk of further cases. (These 'close contacts' will be identified by the public health team and the local Health Protection Agency.) This measure is not usually necessary for workplace contacts so normal work patterns can be followed.

Bacterial meningitis carries a slightly increased risk to family members and 'kissing contacts' of a diagnosed case. Antibiotics are given to destroy any meningococcal bacteria and prevent any further transmission but these antibiotics are not a form of prevention: if someone is already incubating the disease, the antibiotics will not stop them from developing meningitis, so it is still important to look out for signs and symptoms.

In the rare event that there is more than one case of meningitis in the workplace, antibiotics may be offered to wider contacts. Each case will be individually assessed and appropriate action will be taken by the local public health team.

What are employers' responsibilities?

Cases of meningitis in the workplace can cause high levels of anxiety amongst employees so it is extremely important that employees are given timely and accurate information. Within care settings it would be prudent to undertake early contact tracing to establish which staff members have had 'close contact' with the person suffering from meningitis. This would assist with antibiotic/vaccination treatments, if required.

Employees suffering from meningitis may be off work for weeks or even months whilst they recover. People can often be left with after-effects ranging from severe and permanent disabilities such as brain damage and deafness (which may have an impact on their ability to do their job), to less debilitating effects such as depression and memory loss. Employers should maintain regular communication with employees whilst they are off work, and during their return to work.

Each person may be affected differently, but employers should consider measures to support the worker such as reviewing their working hours (temporary or permanent), re-allocation of work, or re-training in tasks or skills. If the person has been left with a permanent disability then some other adjustments may be required and the employer has a legal duty to provide these.

What help is available for employees?

The Health for Work Adviceline 0800 077 88 44 will be able to offer more detailed guidance on meningitis in the workplace and whether there are any risks to other employees.

You can also contact your union or health and safety representative for advice if you have any issues relating to meningitis.

Further sources of information

• Information about meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia on the Department of Health website.
• The Meningitis Now offers support to those whose lives have been affected by meningitis.
• Information on meningitis on NHS Choices.
• The Meningitis Research Foundation promotes education and awareness of meningitis.