About Meningitis

Overview

Meningitis is a potentially deadly disease that is very contagious and can affect people of all ages, races and genders, though young adults in their teens and early 20s are among the most susceptible, according to the Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA). Meningitis occurs when the fluid that surrounds both the spinal cord and the brain becomes infected, either through a virus or one of a number of different bacteria. The disease is spread through close bodily contact with an infected person, including kissing and sharing toothbrushes and other personal items. Immediate treatment is crucial for any type of meningitis to minimize lasting effects and damage to the brain.

Types

The two major types of meningitis are viral and bacterial, though there are several different types of bacteria that can cause the disease. Viral infections are usually less serious than bacterial infections but can still do significant damage to a person's system. The virus that causes meningitis is airborne, which means sneezing and coughing in close proximity to others may cause the spread of the disease. Viral meningitis, also called asceptic meningitis, can run its course in a matter or weeks or stretch out for several months.

Bacterial meningitis is very dangerous and, even when treated appropriately, can be deadly. The three common forms of bacterial meningitis are meningococcal, the result of the neisseria meningitidis bacterium; Hib meninigitis, caused by a bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (abbreviated Hib); and a pneumococcus infection, caused by pneumococcus bacteria. Samples of the spinal fluid are tested to diagnose the exact type of meningitis so that the appropriate antibiotics can be used for treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms of all of the forms of meningitis are similar. Meningitis patients usually experience very high fevers that do not break easily, along with headache and stiffness in the neck. Stomach upset and vomiting may also occur. People who have developed meningitis often feel very tired and irritable and may have a hard time focusing or be confused. Some people may display a rash as part of meningitis, which must be examined immediately by medical personnel, because it is a sign of blood poisoning, according to the MFA. Babies and small toddlers who have meningitis may not be able to describe symptoms accurately, but they tend to arch their backs as if they are trying to extract themselves from their parents' arms. High-pitched crying is also a common symptom associated with infant meningitis.

Treatment

Treatment for meningitis depends on the specific type the patient is diagnosed with. Viral meningitis is not treated with medications other than ibuprofen or other NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to bring down fever. Patients who are determined to have viral meningitis are encouraged to rest and drink lots of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics, both oral and intravenous. Penicillin is commonly prescribed in an intravenous form to treat all three bacterial forms of the disease, while ciproflaxin is given orally. Sometimes steroids may be prescribed as a preventive measure against hearing loss, one of the lasting effects of the disease. Patients with bacterial meningitis are hospitalized until the infection is under control and the threat of contagion is diminished, factors that vary from person to person.

Prevention

Vaccination is one way to prevent meningitis. Children are routinely given Hib shots as babies, and parents are encouraged to keep up with boosters when required (usually after the first birthday and during the elementary school years). Children in the middle school age range may be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis, one of the bacterial strains of the disease. In addition to immunizations, the best way to prevent meningitis is to practice good hygiene. Frequent hand-washing can reduce the spread of germs. Covering the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing can also limit the spread of viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. People, especially kids who are in some of the main risk groups in terms of age (under 5 years old and from 16 to 25), should be discouraged from sharing towels, eating utensils, toothbrushes, chewing gum and any other personal item that may spread germs around.

Long-Term Effects

A person who has had meningitis may experience some long-term effects to his health, even if the disease was diagnosed and treated early. Hearing loss may occur in some people; the degree ranges from a slight loss and symptoms of tinnitus to total deafness. Meningitis patients can also have problems with their memory and coordination and have residual headaches, even when other symptoms have abated. If blood poisoning, called septicemia, occurred during the infection, more serious organ damage may be found, commonly in the lungs and kidneys.