My DSis and BIL have Meningitis - worried about my two DNephews

[Onlyforoneday]

I have NC for this as clearly this will totally out me!!!

My DSis went to hospital last week as she just wasn't feeling well (she has various illnesses already so we didn't suspect anything new) and we found out the following morning that they wanted to do a lumbar puncture. They did this plus both a CT scan and an MRI scan. The lumbar puncture results confirmed Bacterial Meningitis.

She was pumped full of antibiotics through a drip and within 48 hours was much better and another day later she came home.

Well yesterday I found out that my BIL had been taken into hospital and had a lumbar puncture yesterday morning. Yesterday afternoon they also confirmed that he had Bacterial Meningitis.

They have two boys, one is three and one is nearly six. What are the chances of them contracting it? How contagious is it?

The youngest one has recently had chicken pox but the eldest didn't get it, even though he's never had it . But yesterday the eldest was complaining of a headache and he had a temperature.

Unfortunately I can't take any time off of work (no holiday left that isn't accounted for to cover my DD's school holidays) but my other sister has managed to take time off to help out with the boys. My DSis can't cope with the boys while at home recovering from the illness and worrying about her DH in hospital with it .

The hospital have said to only take the boys in if they're showing signs and I know I'm a worrier, but shouldn't they be doing more? Genuine question as I have no idea how things like this work... Is there even anything they can do if they're not yet showing specific symptoms?

[PacificDogwood]

If bacterial meningitis was confirmed usually public health get involved and offer prophylaxis as appropriate depending on the bacteria involved.

If the children are ill, they should be checked out.

A large proportion of the population carry meningococci in the back of their throats and do not get ill from it. It is one of those poorly understood things why it sometimes causes a dreadful illness and often does not.

[Branleuse]

im sorry about your sister and BIL. I hope they make a full recovery The eldest boy needs to get to hospital ASAP

[cathyandclaire]

If completely well no need to worry but if the eldest has a temperature he needs to be seen straight away.

[CallMeAntigone]

DH had bacterial meningitis. Public Health England rang us and said only a small chance of me or our DC's getting it. We did have antibiotics as a precaution but Public Health said it was unnecessary for anyone else DH had been in contact with. They did send us lots if information of what to look out for just in case.

[CallMeAntigone]

Sorry meant to add I would get your eldest checked by a Doctor as he has a fever as this is what we were advised to do if our DC developed a fever.

[Onlyforoneday]

Thank you everyone. I've just spoken to my Mum and Dad and because my sister is in Oromorph (sp?) because of the pain of the two failed lumbar puncture attempts, she's unable to drive so would have phoned Mum and Dad last night if my DNephew is unwell. They haven't heard anything so assume everything is OK.

My other DSis is looking after the boys today so will reiterate what you've all said about the temperature and keeping an eye on them.

Thank you again. It's good to know that it's not 'easy' to catch. Both DSis and BIL, because of various ongoing illnesses, are probably more susceptible than the 'average' person, to get it so I am putting it down to that in their case. Hopefully the boys will be Ok.