Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, but it can also be caused by certain medications or illnesses. Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people whose bodies have trouble fighting infections.
Bacterial meningitis is rare, but is usually serious and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. A lumbar puncture may be used to diagnose or exclude meningitis. Viral meningitis is relatively common and far less serious. It often remains undiagnosed because its symptoms can be similar to those of the common flu.
Symptoms
The symptoms of meningitis vary and depend on the age of the person and the cause of the infection. Flu-like symptoms can be similar in both types of meningitis particularly in the early stages and therefore a speedy diagnosis is important.
Common symptoms include:
- Sudden fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Lethargy
- Irritability
- Eye sensitivity to light
- Skin rashes
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- Seizures.
Treatment
Because bacterial meningitis can be serious and even life threatening, you should contact your health provider right away if someone in your family exhibits the above symptoms or was in contact with someone who has meningitis.
People suffering from bacterial meningitis need immediate treatment with antibiotics and may be hospitalised. Viral meningitis does not respond to antibiotics and treatment is based on rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the symptoms.
How does meningitis spread?
Most cases of meningitis – both viral and bacterial – result from infections that are contagious and spread through tiny drops of fluid from the throat and nose of someone who is infected. The drops may become airborne when the person coughs, laughs, talks or sneezes. The sharing of food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, tissues or towels can transmit infection, as well as poor hygiene or sewage-polluted water.
Casual contact at school or work with someone who has one of these infections usually will not transmit the infectious agent.
Prevention
Vaccines can prevent some of the bacterial infections that cause meningitis. Good hygiene is an important way to prevent any infection. Encourage your children to wash their hands thoroughly and often, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom.
Avoid close contact with someone who is obviously ill. In certain cases, health providers may decide to give antibiotics to anyone who has been in close contact with the person who is ill to help prevent additional cases of illness.