PROJECT HS&E BULLETIN

Riyadh Metro Project

No.062
Document No. M-BAC-000000-GH00-MEM-000066 28th March 2015

Meningitis
An emerging trend of Meningitis has recently been identified in Africa. It is important the personnel on
the Riyadh Metro Project understand the symptoms and preventative measures of Meningitis.

What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be
caused by a number of infectious agents including viruses and bacteria. It can cause severe brain
damage and is fatal in 50% of cases if untreated. There are an estimated 1.2 million cases and
135,000 deaths worldwide each year.

Types of Meningitis
Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral
meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and is less
severe than bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can be quite
severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning
disabilities.

Signs and Symptoms

 Sleepiness
 Stiff neck
 High fever
 Sensitivity to light
 Confusion
 Headaches
 Vomiting
 Decreased appetite

How is it spread?
 Both viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis can be spread from
person to person through the exchange of respiratory and throat
secretions. This can occur through sharing a glass, cup or eating utensil, coughing or sneezing
into the face of another person, or sharing a cigarette.

Preventive Measures
 Personnel should cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and discard used
tissues promptly.
 Following good hygiene practices can reduce the spread of the infection, such as: wash your
hands thoroughly. This is especially important after using toilets, or coughing or blowing your
nose. Ensuring contaminated surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.
 Avoid sharing a drinking glass, eating utensil, or other such items with sick people or with others
when you are sick.

If you develop symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

*The information above has been provided by CCC Health Alert (CCC/HSE-Alert-H-004/2015).
PROJECT HS&E BULLETIN
Riyadh Metro Project
No.062
Document No. M-BAC-000000-GH00-MEM-000066 28th March 2015

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