Sept. 6, 2018 | The good news about meningitis infections is that they are fairly rare in the modern world. The bad news is that when an outbreak occurs, they can have serious and sometimes fatal results. An infection of the cerebrospinal fluid and membranes, known as meninges, surrounding the brain and the spinal cord, meningitis is sometimes referred to as spinal meningitis. Although most cases occur in children five and younger, and in 16- to 25-year-olds, people can get it at any age. There are several forms of meningitis, viral and bacterial are the most common. It’s important to know whether the disease was caused by a virus or a bacterium so it can be properly treated. The severity of the inflammation and the best treatment depend on the cause of the infection. Viral meningitis is usually the less severe and may require no specific treatment while bacterial meningitis can be quite serious and result in brain damage if not treated early.

Sept. 6, 2018 | Because the symptoms are so similar, it’s easy to mistake meningitis for the flu. The signs may develop over a period of one or two days and include a high fever, headache, nausea, a stiff neck and a reduced appetite. Newborns and young infants with meningitis may not have the classic signs and symptoms of headache and stiff neck. Instead, they may cry constantly, seem unusually irritable, and eat poorly. Sometimes the soft spots on an infant’s head may bulge. A very late sign may be a spasm consisting of extreme hyperextension of the body, known as opisthotonos. People with meningitis may also suffer from seizures that can cause a momentary loss of consciousness. If you or your child has bacterial meningitis, delaying treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage. Bacterial meningitis can prove fatal in a matter of days so if you or anyone in your family displays any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care right away.

Sept. 6, 2018 | There are several factors that can contribute to putting an individual at risk for meningitis. Age is one, as children younger than five years old, young people ages 15 to 24 and older adults are more likely to develop meningitis than the rest of the population. College students living in dormitories, personnel on military bases and children in boarding schools and child care facilities are at increased risk because infectious diseases tend to spread quickly wherever large groups of people congregate. A pregnant woman is more likely to contract listeriosis – an infection caused by listeria bacteria – which may also cause meningitis. People who work with domestic animals, including dairy farmers and ranchers, also have a higher risk of contracting listeria. AIDS, diabetes, the use of immunosuppressant drugs and removal of the spleen, all of which can compromise the human immune system, can also make one more susceptible to meningitis.

Sept. 6, 2018 | Acute bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics prescribed depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Analyzing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid can help identify the bacteria. If you or your child has bacterial meningitis, your doctor may recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic until he or she can determine the exact cause of the meningitis. The doctor may also recommend treatments for brain swelling or dehydration. Infected sinuses or mastoids – the bones behind the outer ear that connect to the middle ear – may need to be drained. Any fluid that has accumulated between the brain and the membranes that surround it may also need to be drained or surgically removed. Antibiotics can’t cure most cases of viral meningitis, but many improve on their own in a week or so without therapy.

Sept. 6, 2018 | Meningitis typically results from contagious infections. Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette. You’re also at increased risk if you live or work with someone who has the disease. Careful hand washing is important to avoiding exposure to infectious agents. Teach children to wash their hands often, especially before they eat and after using the toilet, spending time in a crowded public place or petting animals. Show them how to wash their hands vigorously, covering both the front and back of each hand with soap and rinsing thoroughly under running water. In addition, boost your immune system by getting enough rest, exercising and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. Pregnant women can reduce their risk of listeriosis by cooking meat thoroughly and avoiding cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.