People at risk

You can get meningitis at any age. However, the risk is higher in the following populations:

• Children under 2 years old;
• Adolescents and young adults aged 18 to 24;
• Seniors ;
• College students living in dormitories (boarding school);
• Personnel from military bases;
• Children who attend the nursery (crèche) full time;
• People with weakened immune systems. This includes older people with chronic health problems (diabetes, HIV-AIDS, alcoholism, cancer), people in remission from illness, those taking drugs that weaken the immune system.

Risk factors for meningitis

• Have intimate contact with an infected person.

Bacteria are transmitted by the particles of saliva present in the air or by direct contact with the exchange of saliva through kisses, an exchange of utensils, glass, food, cigarettes, lipstick, etc. ;

• Stay in countries where the disease is prevalent.

Meningitis is present in several countries but the most widespread and frequent epidemics take shape in the semi-desert regions of theSub-Saharan Africa, which is called the “African meningitis belt”. During epidemics, the incidence reaches 1 cases of meningitis per 000 inhabitants. Overall, Health Canada considers the risk of contracting meningitis to be low for most travelers. Obviously, the risks are higher among travelers who make an extended stay or among those who have close contact with the local population in their living environment, public transport or their workplace;

• Smoke or be exposed to second-hand smoke.

Smoking is thought to increase the risk of meningococcal meningitis1. Moreover, according to some studies, children and exposed to second-hand smoke would be at greater risk of meningitis2,8. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have observed that cigarette smoke facilitates the adhesion of meningitis bacteria to the walls of the throat8;

• Often be tired or stressed.

These factors weaken the immune system, as do diseases causing immune fragility (diabetes, HIV-AIDS, alcoholism, cancer, organ transplants, pregnancy, corticosteroid treatment, etc.)

• Have had a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) for meningococcal meningitis
• Have a cochlear implant
• Have an ENT infection (Otitis, sinusitis)