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What is Meningitis?

J.Gunsch
J.Gunsch

Meningitis is a serious illness that has the potential to become fatal within hours. It involves an infection and inflammation of the meninges, which are the fluidic membranes that surround and protect both the spinal cord and the brain. This illness has two forms: bacterial and viral.

Viral meningitis can be caused by any number of viruses spread by human to human contact or from insect bites, particularly from mosquitoes. This disease is rarely serious and resembles a cold or flu. Although very unpleasant, it is usually resolved on its own without medical intervention. Bacterial meningitis, however, is mainly caused by the bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitides. The bacteria that cause this dangerous form multiply rapidly, and when gone untreated, can cause brain damage and death.

Vaccines can help prevent bacterial meningitis.
Vaccines can help prevent bacterial meningitis.

The symptoms of this disease often resemble the flu, although they are more serious. They tend to come on very quickly and include severe headache, stiff neck, fever, rash, delirium or a vacant state, nausea, vomiting and sometimes seizures. Not all of these symptoms need be present for a person to be ill with meningitis. In particular, children under the age of two may only appear to be sleepy, vomit and refuse to eat. Any sign of any illness in an infant under three months of age should be considered a potential emergency.

Meningitis is commonly spread through respiratory secretions, like coughing and sneezing, from those who are ill.
Meningitis is commonly spread through respiratory secretions, like coughing and sneezing, from those who are ill.

Because the symptoms can resemble other less serious illnesses, many unnecessary deaths occur each year. This is especially true for adolescents and adults who decide to see if their symptoms clear up without seeking medical care. Meningitis is an insidious illness, and people with symptoms might benefit from adopting the adage “better safe than sorry.”

Meningitis can cause nausea.
Meningitis can cause nausea.

This disease is diagnosed by performing a spinal tap. A spinal tap involves drawing the spinal fluid from the spinal canal with a needle. A culture is then preformed by placing the fluid in a special machine that accelerates the growth of the bacteria, which, if present, can be seen and identified under a microscope.

Bacterial meningitis is effectively treated with antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of death to below 15%. Viral meningitis is not treatable with antibiotics. Severe cases affecting those with compromised immune systems, the very young and the very old must receive medical supervision and care while the virus runs its course.

A microscope can be used to identify the bacterial growth of meningitis.
A microscope can be used to identify the bacterial growth of meningitis.

Meningitis is a contagious illness, but fortunately it is not as contagious as the flu or the common cold. It affects approximately 25,000 people in the United States annually, which amounts to .01% of the population. It is spread through prolonged contact with respiratory secretions such as coughing or sneezing, or with saliva when kissing or sharing drinks. It is important for a person to seek medical care if one knows or suspects that one has come in contact with an infected person, regardless of the length of exposure.

Meningitis can be passed to others through kissing.
Meningitis can be passed to others through kissing.

Bacterial meningitis can be prevented with vaccines. In the U.S., many states require that all children be vaccinated for certain types before attending school. The widespread use of vaccines in developed countries makes this disease much less prevalent than countries that do not have access to these vaccines. Sadly, countries that have a largely unvaccinated population suffer from deadly epidemics. Travelers should always take precautions before entering into developing countries that have outbreaks of meningitis and other illnesses that are rare in countries that employ vaccinations.

Discussion Comments

anon1002104

There are actually six types of meningitis: bacterial, viral (both mentioned in this article), fungal, parasitic, amebic, and non-infectious. The two in this article are most common and easily transmissible. The next three types may be picked up from the environment, but are not typically transmissible person to person. The last one is a result of some other brain / spinal trauma.

anon4508

How do I prevent meningitis?

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    • Vaccines can help prevent bacterial meningitis.
      By: Jonathan Vasata
      Vaccines can help prevent bacterial meningitis.
    • Meningitis is commonly spread through respiratory secretions, like coughing and sneezing, from those who are ill.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Meningitis is commonly spread through respiratory secretions, like coughing and sneezing, from those who are ill.
    • Meningitis can cause nausea.
      By: ftlaudgirl
      Meningitis can cause nausea.
    • A microscope can be used to identify the bacterial growth of meningitis.
      By: Vasiliy Koval
      A microscope can be used to identify the bacterial growth of meningitis.
    • Meningitis can be passed to others through kissing.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Meningitis can be passed to others through kissing.
    • Bacterial meningitis is an infection where bacteria enters the bloodstream and infects the spinal cord.
      By: rob3000
      Bacterial meningitis is an infection where bacteria enters the bloodstream and infects the spinal cord.
    • High fever and severe headache are common symptoms of meningitis.
      By: berc
      High fever and severe headache are common symptoms of meningitis.
    • Stiffness in the neck and sensitivity to light are symptoms of meningitis.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Stiffness in the neck and sensitivity to light are symptoms of meningitis.