The meninges is the membrane that covers the brain. When this membrane becomes inflamed, this is called meningitis. This condition has been around for all of human history, usually developing as a complication of previous infections. During the last two centuries, researchers have discovered that certain bacteria are responsible for causing most cases of meningitis.
Causes
Meningitis can be caused by many different agents, not just bacteria. These include viruses, an overactive immune system, fungi or certain medications. These agents all cause similar clinical signs; without a medical analysis, it can be hard to differentiate and find the specific causative agent. In most cases, the infection begins elsewhere in the body and spreads to meninges.
Symptoms
Intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and photophobia, or fear of light, are all symptoms of meningitis. Left untreated, meningitis has an extremely high mortality rate -- 5 to 15 percent, according to MedlinePlus, with young children and people over 50 being at the highest risk.
Epidemic Meningitis
Epidemic meningitis is a disease caused by the meningococcus genus of bacteria. This disease is characterized by sudden onset of fever, headaches, stiffness in the neck, vomiting, neurological symptoms, photophobia and possibly a rash. This disease is considered a public health risk by the World Health Organization. It is more common in children, and can be found worldwide. Epidemic meningitis is an airborne infection.
History
The first recorded outbreak of meningitis occurred in Geneva, Switzerland in 1805. The disease was first identified as a unique medical condition during this time, but its cause was not identified until 1878. Until the middle of the twentieth century, most individuals who contracted epidemic meningitis succumbed to the disease and died. In the 1940s, meningitis was treated with the antibiotic penicillin, and the first vaccine against epidemic meningitis was synthesized in the 1970s.
Epidemic Meningitis in the Modern World
Meningococcal meningitis is still widespread as of 2010, and is a common ailment in the developing world, particularly in Africa and Asia. Meningitis causes thousands of deaths a year. Many cases are reported yearly in North America. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that all 11- and 12-year-old school children and college freshmen be vaccinated against the disease.
References
- The Medical News: History of Meningitis
- Fight Meningitis : History of the Fight
- "Preventive and Social Medicine"; K. Park; 1995
- "Control of Communicable Diseases Manual 18th Edition"; David L. Heymann; 2004
- "Epidemiology"; K.M. Deghdzunyan, A.Z. Hambartsumyan; 1999
