Meningitis

Meningitis Latest News

Health officials in England are scrambling to stop a new meningitis outbreak after a student died and two more fell seriously ill in areas around Reading and Oxfordshire recently. 

About Meningitis

• Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges.
• It can be deadly and often results in serious long-term health issues. 
• Causes: 
  • It can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. 
  • Injuries, cancers, and drugs cause a small number of cases.
• Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type of meningitis. It is a severe, life-threatening condition that can often lead to long-term adverse health consequences.  
• Transmission: Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through sneezing and coughing.
• Symptoms:
  • Common symptoms of meningitis are neck stiffness, fever, confusion or altered mental status, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Less frequent symptoms are seizures, coma, and neurological deficits (for example hearing or vision loss, cognitive impairment, or weakness of the limbs).
  • Types of meningitis caused by viruses or bacteria can have similar symptoms. Symptoms may be stronger in some types of meningitis than in others and require different treatment. 
• Treatment and Prevention:
  • Meningitis is a medical emergency. It is potentially fatal within 24 hours and requires urgent medical attention.
  • Meningitis can vary in severity, appropriate treatment and care depending on the cause.
  • Meningitis caused by bacteria requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
  • Vaccines offer the best protection against common types of bacterial meningitis.
  • Antibiotics for close contacts of those with meningococcal disease, when given promptly, decreases the risk of transmission.
  • Viral meningitis usually goes away on its own without treatment.

Source: TOI

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