Meningitis

What Is It?

Meningitis is a viral or bacterial infection of the coverings (meninges) of the brain and spinal cord. Viral, or aseptic, meningitis, which is the most common type, usually is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses. Anyone can get viral meningitis, but it occurs most often in children, and goes away on its own after 7 to 10 days. In the United States, between 25,000 and 50,000 people are hospitalized with viral meningitis each year. Bacterial meningitis can occur in adults or children, and is fatal if not treated promptly. In the United States, between 2,400 and 3,000 cases of bacterial meningitis occur every year.

Symptoms

The symptoms of meningitis vary, but often include:

• Headache

• Fever

• Stiff neck

Other symptoms may include:

• Sensitivity to light

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Drowsiness

• Confusion

Symptoms may be milder in cases of viral meningitis, while in cases of bacterial meningitis, symptoms may come on quite suddenly. In very young children, symptoms may be particularly hard to detect. Babies with meningitis may be less active, vomit, refuse to eat or be irritable. A person in later stages of bacterial meningitis may have seizures and lose consciousness (pass out).

Diagnosis

Meningitis is diagnosed by testing some of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord for disease-causing bacteria or infection-fighting cells. The fluid is removed from the spinal cord with a needle in a procedure known as a spinal tap or lumbar puncture.

Expected Duration

Viral meningitis tends to get better on its own in 7 to 10 days. In contrast, if bacterial meningitis is not diagnosed and treated early, it can cause permanent disability or death. The length of time that medication is needed for bacterial meningitis depends on the person's age, response to the medication and other factors.

Prevention

The bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis are found in bodily fluids, such as saliva and mucus, and are spread by direct contact. Some people carry the germs in their nose and throat and can pass them on to other people, even though these "carriers" are not sick. If you are in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, you may be given antibiotics to prevent you from getting the disease.

In children, bacterial meningitis most commonly is caused by three types of bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or Neisseria meningitidis. Vaccines to protect against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type b (Hib) are available and have dramatically reduced the number of meningitis cases caused by these bacteria. A vaccine against N. meningitidis is available, but it has not been shown to be effective in children younger than 2 years.

In the United States, college students overall have a lower rate of bacterial meningitis than people of similar ages who are not in college. However, freshmen living in dormitories have higher rates. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that college students be vaccinated against N. meningitidis. This vaccine also is recommended for children aged 11 to 12 and teenagers entering high school, and may be useful for travelers to countries that experience meningitis outbreaks.

There are also vaccines against some other types of bacteria that cause meningitis, but these are used mostly in older people or people with chronic medical conditions that could put them at high risk of getting the disease.

There is no vaccine for viral meningitis.

Treatment

Viral meningitis is treated much like the flu, with rest and plenty of fluids, and you should recover in a week to 10 days. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible in a hospital setting.

When To Call A Professional

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of meningitis, contact your doctor immediately.

Prognosis

For people with viral meningitis, the outlook is excellent.

The prognosis for bacterial meningitis depends on the person's age, which bacterium is causing the disease, and how early the disease was diagnosed. Up to 10% of people with this disease will die, and a larger percentage of survivors have long-term consequences, such as hearing loss or neurological problems.

Additional Info

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

1600 Clifton Road

Atlanta, GA 30333

Phone: (404) 639-3534

Toll-Free: (800) 311-3435

http://www.cdc.gov/