Meningitis is a deadly brain infection that causes inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain, which helps protect the brain and spinal cord, also known as meninges. Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, virus, fungi, or parasites, but the most dangerous form of meningitis which can kill within 24 hours is caused by bacteria and requires urgent treatment. Most cases of meningitis in the United States are caused by a viral infection. It can also be caused by bacteria, parasites and fungi. Meningitis can vary in severity, appropriate treatment and care depending on the cause.
World Meningitis Day is celebrated annually on October 5 to raise awareness about the condition, which can have serious implications. Meningitis has 5 million cases all over the world every year. The day was established in 2008.
Meningitis symptoms
Meningitis can spread by people who carry bacteria or viruses in their throat or nose. Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening disease that can cause death within 24 hours or permanent impairment. Meningitis is a medical emergency and should be treated accordingly. It can also be prevented with prior vaccinations.
People with meningitis may have flu-like symptoms initially, but they may worsen over a course of a few days or hours.
Here are some of the symptoms:
High fever
Severe headache
Vomiting
Neck stiffness
Seizures
Nausea and vomiting
Lack of energy
Sleepiness or trouble staying awake
Skin rash
Meningitis can sometimes have serious complications like sepsis, or blood poisoning, which may require a limb amputation in some cases. However, this complication occurs in about one in five of those infected.
Meningitis can affect anyone, but commonly occurs in infants and children. The bacteria that cause meningitis can spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person's nose or throat. This can happen while coughing, kissing, sneezing or touching the infected surface. The bacteria can be carried in the throat, and can sometimes overwhelm the body's defenses.
Meningitis can also be spread through contact with an infected person's feces, eye, nose, or mouth secretions. This can happen when one touches the infected person's hand or surfaces infected with the virus. Insects such as mosquitoes can also spread viruses that can cause meningitis.
Prevention tips
It is important to wash hands after touching suspected infected surfaces.
Children should get vaccinated to avoid the deadly meningitis infection.
Caregivers or medical teams handling such patients must wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
