QUICK FACTS ON MENINGITIS

What is meninges? They are the membranes that cover the spinal cord and the brain. The meninges has fluids surrounding it, when this fluid becomes infected, it causes meningitis.

Meningitis can be explained as an inflammation of the meninges.

Meningitis is caused by viral and bacterial infections.

Other causes may include:

• cancer
• chemical irritation
• fungi
• drug allergies

Viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious. They can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing, or close contact.

MENINGITIS TYPES

Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of meningitis. There are several other forms of meningitis. Examples include cryptococcal, which is caused by a fungal infection, and carcinomatous, which is cancer-related.

Some viruses that can cause meningitis:

• West Nile virus
• influenza
• mumps
• HIV
• measles
• herpes viruses
• Coltivirus, which causes Colorado tick fever

Viral meningitis typically goes away without treatment.

BACTERIAL MENINGITIS.

Bacterial meningitis is contagious and caused by infection from certain bacteria. It could be fatal if untreated. A high percentage of people who have this condition die, even with adequate or proper treatment.

The most common types of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is typically found in the respiratory tract, sinuses, and nasal cavity and can cause what’s called “pneumococcal meningitis”
• Neisseria meningitidis, which is spread through saliva and other respiratory fluids and causes what’s called “meningococcal meningitis”
• Haemophilus influenza, which can cause not only meningitis but infection of the blood, inflammation of the windpipe, cellulitis, and infectious arthritis
• Listeria monocytogenes, which is a foodborne bacteria

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis can be similar in the beginning. However, bacterial meningitis symptoms are usually more severe. The symptoms also vary depending on your age.

VIRAL MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS

Viral meningitis in infants may cause:

• decreased appetite
• irritability
• sleepiness
• lethargy
• a fever

In adults, viral meningitis may cause:

• headaches
• a fever
• stiff neck
• seizures
• sensitivity to bright light
• sleepiness
• lethargy
• nausea
• decreased appetite

BACTERIAL MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS.

 They may include:

• altered mental status
• nausea
• vomiting
• a sensitivity to light
• irritability
• a headache
• a fever
• a stiff neck

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms. Bacterial meningitis can be deadly. There’s no way to know if you have bacterial or viral meningitis just by judging how you feel. Your doctor will need to perform tests to determine which type you have.

People with an immune deficiency are at higher risk of contracting meningitis. Certain disorders can make an immune system weak: HIV, AIDS, Autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy etc.

AGE

All ages are at risk for meningitis. However, certain age groups have a higher risk. Children under the age of 5 are at increased risk of viral meningitis. Infants are at higher risk of bacterial meningitis.

PREVENTION

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially if you’re at increased risk, is important. This includes things like:

• getting adequate amounts of rest
• not smoking
• avoiding contact with sick people

Vaccinations can also protect against certain types of meningitis. Vaccines that can prevent meningitis include the following:

• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine
• pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
• meningococcal vaccine