What is meningitis?
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, or the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord - the central nervous system. This inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluids surrounding the area. Meningitis occurs in different forms: bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral.
Bacterial meningitis is caused by pathogens that invade the body and reach the meninges. Usually severe, this type of meningitis needs to be treated immediately or it will result in serious complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, learning disabilities, and amputations.
Fungal meningitis is a rare form of the inflammation that occurs as a result of the spread of a fungal infection to the spinal cord through the blood. Like most forms of meningitis, it most frequently attacks people with weak immune systems, such as the very young, elderly, and chronically diseased. The fungal spores are ingested and reach the central nervous system via the bloodstream.
Parasitic meningitis is the rarest and most deadly form of meningitis. An amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, enters the body through the nose and heads directly to the brain. There, it destroys brain tissue and causes severe and fatal meningitis.
Viral meningitis is common in the summer and fall. Again, like most forms, it is more likely to occur in infants younger than one month and those with weak immune systems, such as children and the elderly. This type of meningitis is brought on by the introduction of a common and usually preventable virus, such as chickenpox or measles. It is not as deadly as bacterial or parasitic meningitis and is usually successfully resolved by the immune system.
Bacterial meningitis is caused by pathogens that invade the body and reach the meninges. Usually severe, this type of meningitis needs to be treated immediately or it will result in serious complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, learning disabilities, and amputations.
Fungal meningitis is a rare form of the inflammation that occurs as a result of the spread of a fungal infection to the spinal cord through the blood. Like most forms of meningitis, it most frequently attacks people with weak immune systems, such as the very young, elderly, and chronically diseased. The fungal spores are ingested and reach the central nervous system via the bloodstream.
Parasitic meningitis is the rarest and most deadly form of meningitis. An amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, enters the body through the nose and heads directly to the brain. There, it destroys brain tissue and causes severe and fatal meningitis.
Viral meningitis is common in the summer and fall. Again, like most forms, it is more likely to occur in infants younger than one month and those with weak immune systems, such as children and the elderly. This type of meningitis is brought on by the introduction of a common and usually preventable virus, such as chickenpox or measles. It is not as deadly as bacterial or parasitic meningitis and is usually successfully resolved by the immune system.
THE CULPRITSBACTERIAL
| THE SYMPTOMSBACTERIAL: Rapid symptom onset (hours)
| THE CUREBACTERIAL Antibiotics, if administered in the early stages of the inflammation, can successfully curb symptoms and greatly reduce the risk of death. FUNGAL Antifungal medication is administered through an IV for varying lengths of time depending on the strength of the patient's immune system. PARASITIC While a few drugs have proven successful against parasitic meningitis in the laboratory, their true advantage is unknown because nearly all cases have been fatal. VIRAL Most patients recover on their own and without the aid of antibiotics, which do not affect viral meningitis. For patients with weaker immune systems, a hospital stay may be necessary. |
Why should I care?
Meningitis is responsible for 500 fatalities a year in the United States alone. It kills. On average, there are 4,000 cases of this horrible disease, many of which result in permanent brain damage or limb amputation - leaving hundreds disabled and disadvantaged for life.
Despite the bleak statistics, studies have shown that the incidence of meningitis has dropped by 31% in the last 10 years. This massive decline can be attributed to safer habits and, perhaps most importantly, vaccinations.
Meningitis will always exist. The bacteria, the fungus, the parasites, and the viruses will always exist. But the safer we keep ourselves, the safer we keep those around us. That's a pretty incredible idea.
Despite the bleak statistics, studies have shown that the incidence of meningitis has dropped by 31% in the last 10 years. This massive decline can be attributed to safer habits and, perhaps most importantly, vaccinations.
Meningitis will always exist. The bacteria, the fungus, the parasites, and the viruses will always exist. But the safer we keep ourselves, the safer we keep those around us. That's a pretty incredible idea.
What can I do?
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
- Get vaccinated
- Maintain healthy habits (i.e. don't smoke, get rest, and stay away from sick people)
- Avoid soil and other environments that can contain fungus
- Avoid bird droppings
- Avoid dirty or dusty environments or activities
- Avoid swimming in warm freshwater places, like rivers or lakes
- Ensure your tap water is clean before ingesting it through the mouth or nose
- Avoid allowing water to enter your sinuses and nose
- No vaccine, but you CAN be vaccinated against diseases that cause viral meningitis (e.g. chickenpox)
- Wash your hands
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Avoid kissing or sharing utensils/cups/food with sick people
- Avoid bug bites (i.e. mosquitoes, ticks, fleas)
- Control rodent infestations
Make a pledge.
While most causes of meningitis can be prevented by practicing safe and healthy habits like the ones outlines above, there IS a definite way to prevent some types of meningitis - specifically, meningococcal disease.
About 20% of all meningococcal disease cases occur in teenages and young adults ages 14-24. 3 in 10 teenages have not received the vaccination. That's a huge number of kids who are in danger.
Are YOU vaccinated against meningitis?
There isn't much you can do with regard to active prevention, but you CAN get vaccinated. Ask your parents if your meningitis vaccinations are up-to-date.
If you need to be vaccinated, click on one of the pictures below to find a pharmacy near you. These pharmacies offer, for a fee, meningitis vaccines, as well as vaccines against common viruses that frequently cause viral meningitis.
About 20% of all meningococcal disease cases occur in teenages and young adults ages 14-24. 3 in 10 teenages have not received the vaccination. That's a huge number of kids who are in danger.
Are YOU vaccinated against meningitis?
There isn't much you can do with regard to active prevention, but you CAN get vaccinated. Ask your parents if your meningitis vaccinations are up-to-date.
If you need to be vaccinated, click on one of the pictures below to find a pharmacy near you. These pharmacies offer, for a fee, meningitis vaccines, as well as vaccines against common viruses that frequently cause viral meningitis.
The best thing you can do is get vaccinated and become aware. Luckily, you now have at least one of those down! Don't leave your family and friends in the dark about the dangers of meningitis. Print out the flyer below and give it to your parents and peers - you might be saving a life.
Vaccine Flyer.pdf |
Resources
1. "Meningitis is a relatively rare infection that affects the delicate membranes -- called meninges (men-in'-jeez) -- that cover the brain and spinal cord." http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-meningitis-basics
2. "Bacterial meningitis can be contagious among people in close contact." http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-meningitis-basics
3. "There are several pathogens (types of germs) that can cause bacterial meningitis. Some of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in the United States include Haemophilus influenzae (most often caused by type b, Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Neisseria meningitidis." http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
4. "Travelers to the meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa may be at risk for meningococcal meningitis, particularly during the dry season." http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
5. "Each year, viruses cause a greater number of cases of meningitis than do bacteria. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/causes/con-20019713
6. "Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon and causes chronic meningitis. Occasionally it can mimic acute bacterial meningitis. However, this form of meningitis isn't contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. It's life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/causes/con-20019713
7. "Acute bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics and, more recently, cortisone medications, to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics that your doctor may choose depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Your doctor may recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic until he or she can determine the exact cause of the meningitis. Infected sinuses or mastoids — the bones behind the outer ear that connect to the middle ear — may need to be drained." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/treatment/con-20019713
8. "The complications of meningitis can be severe. The longer you or your child has the disease without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and permanent neurological damage, including hearing loss, memory difficulty, learning disabilities, brain damage, gait problems, seizures, kidney failure, shock, and death." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/complications/con-20019713
9. "If meningitis is suspected, the doctor will order laboratory tests to help make the diagnosis, probably including a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect a sample of spinal fluid. This test will show any signs of inflammation and whether a virus or bacteria is causing the infection." http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html#
10. "Someone with viral meningitis may be hospitalized, although some kids are allowed to recover at home if they are not too ill. Treatment aimed at relieving symptoms includes rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medication." http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html#
11. "Most cases of meningitis — both viral and bacterial — are due to infections that are contagious, spread via 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. They then can infect others when people breathe them in or touch the drops and then touch their own noses or mouths.Sharing food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, tissues, or towels all can transmit infection as well. Some infectious organisms can spread through a person's stool (poop), and someone who comes in contact with the stool — such as kids in daycare — may develop the infection." http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html#
12. "Certain vaccines can help prevent some types of meningitis. Haemophilus vaccine (HiB vaccine) in children helps prevent one type of bacterial meningitis. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is now a routine childhood immunization. It is very effective at preventing pneumococcal meningitis. Household members and others in close contact with people who have meningococcal meningitis should receive antibiotics to prevent becoming infected." http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000680.htm
13. "Viral meningitis occurs more often than bacterial meningitis, and is milder. It usually occurs in the late summer and early fall. It most often affects children and adults under age 30. Bacterial meningitis is an emergency. You will need immediate treatment in a hospital." http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000680.htm
14. "If bacterial meningitis is diagnosed — or even suspected — doctors will start intravenous (IV) antibiotics as soon as possible. Fluids may be given to replace those lost to fever, sweating, vomiting, and poor appetite." http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html#
15. "When meningitis occurs, the membranes (meninges) become inflamed. Meninges are a collection of membranes the cover the brain and spinal cord. Their primary purpose is to protect the central nervous system. Inflammation of the meninges is caused by an infection of the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) surrounding the brain and spinal cord." http://www.musa.org/whatis
16. "Patients with aseptic meningitis syndrome usually appear clinically nontoxic, with no vascular instability. They characteristically have an acute onset of meningeal symptoms, fever, and CSF pleocytosis that is usually prominently lymphocytic." http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/232915-overview
17. "Viral meningitis tends to be less severe, and most people recover completely." http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-meningitis-basics
18. "Fungal meningitis is a rare form of meningitis and generally occurs only in people with weakened immune systems." http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-meningitis-basics
19. " Also at risk for meningococcal meningitis are travelers to Mecca during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage." http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
20. "A group of viruses known as enteroviruses is responsible for most viral meningitis cases in the United States. These viruses tend to circulate in late summer and early fall. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/causes/con-20019713
2. "Bacterial meningitis can be contagious among people in close contact." http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-meningitis-basics
3. "There are several pathogens (types of germs) that can cause bacterial meningitis. Some of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in the United States include Haemophilus influenzae (most often caused by type b, Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Neisseria meningitidis." http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
4. "Travelers to the meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa may be at risk for meningococcal meningitis, particularly during the dry season." http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
5. "Each year, viruses cause a greater number of cases of meningitis than do bacteria. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/causes/con-20019713
6. "Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon and causes chronic meningitis. Occasionally it can mimic acute bacterial meningitis. However, this form of meningitis isn't contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. It's life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/causes/con-20019713
7. "Acute bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics and, more recently, cortisone medications, to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics that your doctor may choose depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Your doctor may recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic until he or she can determine the exact cause of the meningitis. Infected sinuses or mastoids — the bones behind the outer ear that connect to the middle ear — may need to be drained." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/treatment/con-20019713
8. "The complications of meningitis can be severe. The longer you or your child has the disease without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and permanent neurological damage, including hearing loss, memory difficulty, learning disabilities, brain damage, gait problems, seizures, kidney failure, shock, and death." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/complications/con-20019713
9. "If meningitis is suspected, the doctor will order laboratory tests to help make the diagnosis, probably including a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect a sample of spinal fluid. This test will show any signs of inflammation and whether a virus or bacteria is causing the infection." http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html#
10. "Someone with viral meningitis may be hospitalized, although some kids are allowed to recover at home if they are not too ill. Treatment aimed at relieving symptoms includes rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medication." http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html#
11. "Most cases of meningitis — both viral and bacterial — are due to infections that are contagious, spread via 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. They then can infect others when people breathe them in or touch the drops and then touch their own noses or mouths.Sharing food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, tissues, or towels all can transmit infection as well. Some infectious organisms can spread through a person's stool (poop), and someone who comes in contact with the stool — such as kids in daycare — may develop the infection." http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html#
12. "Certain vaccines can help prevent some types of meningitis. Haemophilus vaccine (HiB vaccine) in children helps prevent one type of bacterial meningitis. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is now a routine childhood immunization. It is very effective at preventing pneumococcal meningitis. Household members and others in close contact with people who have meningococcal meningitis should receive antibiotics to prevent becoming infected." http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000680.htm
13. "Viral meningitis occurs more often than bacterial meningitis, and is milder. It usually occurs in the late summer and early fall. It most often affects children and adults under age 30. Bacterial meningitis is an emergency. You will need immediate treatment in a hospital." http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000680.htm
14. "If bacterial meningitis is diagnosed — or even suspected — doctors will start intravenous (IV) antibiotics as soon as possible. Fluids may be given to replace those lost to fever, sweating, vomiting, and poor appetite." http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html#
15. "When meningitis occurs, the membranes (meninges) become inflamed. Meninges are a collection of membranes the cover the brain and spinal cord. Their primary purpose is to protect the central nervous system. Inflammation of the meninges is caused by an infection of the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) surrounding the brain and spinal cord." http://www.musa.org/whatis
16. "Patients with aseptic meningitis syndrome usually appear clinically nontoxic, with no vascular instability. They characteristically have an acute onset of meningeal symptoms, fever, and CSF pleocytosis that is usually prominently lymphocytic." http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/232915-overview
17. "Viral meningitis tends to be less severe, and most people recover completely." http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-meningitis-basics
18. "Fungal meningitis is a rare form of meningitis and generally occurs only in people with weakened immune systems." http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-meningitis-basics
19. " Also at risk for meningococcal meningitis are travelers to Mecca during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage." http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
20. "A group of viruses known as enteroviruses is responsible for most viral meningitis cases in the United States. These viruses tend to circulate in late summer and early fall. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis." http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/causes/con-20019713