Ack! All three of us were exposed to Meningitis.

[KempsMama]

I'm 37 weeks pg. My two year old DS, DH and I went to a birthday party Saturday. Yesterday the birthday girl was admitted to the hospital with meningitis. I don't know what strain. I'm freaked. How likely is it the we could get sick?

[writteninkursive]

I don't know how you would assess that risk, but keep your eyes open for the symptoms in your two children: headaches, extreme fatigue, seizure-like episodes, stopping eating and drinking, neck pain, confusion, etc.

I would also check with the girl's family to see how she is and what kind of meningitis she has, if she was vaccinated for it (kids who are vaccinated tend to get atypical strands of disease that an unvaccinated child wouldn't get), etc.

And keep in mind that people are exposed to meningitis regularly. A lot of the seriousness and fear we have about it is a result of a campaign at scaring parents into vaccinating. Meningitis is treatable by modern medicine, so if you start seeing symptoms, go to the hospital. Also check with your health care practitioner about how that could affect your almost-born baby.

[texmati]

I would also talk to your hcp. I know this isn't helpful, but meningitis is one of the diseases that truly terrifies me.

My husband was exposed once in college, and I believe that he was given a preventive dose of something. Totally vague, I know, but I would definitely call a dr.

[ttcintexas]

I hope that you are all able to remain healthy and that the birthday girl is ok.

Wondering if the pp has more info on this..."(kids who are vaccinated tend to get atypical strands of disease that an unvaccinated child wouldn't get)."

[KempsMama]

Birthday girl is our cousin, found out via Facebook that she was hospitalized. It sounds like the only symptom she really had was a fierce headache-her dad was concerned about how long and severe it was though amd took her to the ER. They are still waiting on cultures but I guess the doctors have said it's viral, not bacterial. Which I guess is less severe?? She's in good spirits, and doing very well, thank goodness.

I called my OB nurse, who said it's highly unlikely any of us will get sick, gave me a run down of symptoms to look out for, but told me to relax and not worry too much.

I've read the gestational period for it is any where from 3-7 days. I have a feeling I'm going to be paranoid about every little complaint from both DH and DS1 for at least two weeks. Sigh.