Meningitis and encephalitis was an existing Victorian Statewide CPG that has been revised then reviewed by the CPG Committee. An updated page with details for Chemoprophylaxis for contacts is included. It will be considered for PIC endorsement on 18 June.

Key Points

1. Symptoms at presentation can be non-specific, so early diagnostic consideration, investigation and empiric treatment is needed
2. Prompt investigations (including lumbar puncture), together with early antibiotic administration, gives the best outcomes in bacterial meningitis
3. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) encephalitis should be considered in any child with encephalopathy
4. Aciclovir should be given to children with encephalitis of uncertain aetiology