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COMMUNITY |
MeningitisIS ALL MENINGITIS THE SAME? The answer to this question is YES and NO . Before you can begin to understand this answer, you must first learn some vocabulary terms.
The term MENINGITIS is always used to describe a swelling of the meninges. However, this swelling can be caused by different agents, which affects the severity of the illness. Bacteria, viruses, chemicals or even drugs can all cause meningitis. VIRAL MENINGITIS (also called aseptic meningitis ) is generally less severe than meningitis caused by bacteria. About 90% of cases are caused by viruses known as enteroviruses, such as coxsackie virus and echo virus. These viruses are more common during the summer and fall months. The viruses that can cause viral meningitis are contagious, but most infected persons either have no symptoms or develop only a cold or rash with low-grade fever. Only a small proportion of those infected actually develop meningitis. Therefore, if you are around someone who has viral meningitis, you could become infected with the virus, but it will not necessarily cause meningitis. These viruses also cause other viral syndromes. There is no need for preventive medication for those exposed to someone with viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in healthy persons. Symptoms of viral meningitis include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness or confusion, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 7 days after infection with a virus. There is no specific medication for the treatment for viral meningitis. Doctors will often recommend bed rest, plenty of fluids and medicine to relive the fever and headache. Most often, viral meningitis resolves by itself, with little permanent damage. BACTERIAL MENINGITIS is a severe illness which requires prompt treatment with an antibiotic. It can be a life-threatening disease and can cause permanent health damage. It is most common in the winter and early spring. The common causes are:
Infants and young children are routinely immunized against Hib which has greatly reduced meningitis caused by this bacteria. S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis are responsible for about 80% of bacterial meningitis, with N. meningitidis being the most common. Meningitis caused by N. meningitidis is called meningococcal disease . Children aged 11-18 are now vaccinated against meningitis. The vaccine protects against 4 strains of bacteria, including two of the most common strains occurring in the U.S. Vaccination is not a guarantee that you will not get meningitis, but it does reduce the chance of getting the disease. N. meningitidis is commonly found in the throats and noses of healthy children and adults. Illness is uncommon and why some people suddenly become ill with this bacterium is not well understood. Symptoms of meningococcal disease include: fever, headache (which may be intense), stiff neck, a rash, inflammation of the throat and ears, nausea, vomiting and/or lethargy. The person may become delirious or have convulsions. Symptoms often occur suddenly. In infants, an eerie high-pitched cry may be noticed. While some of these symptoms alone are indicative of many other causes of illness, combinations of the above, especially with a sudden, abrupt onset should prompt you to consult a doctor. Most often, a person with bacterial meningitis is hospitalized. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy. You do not get meningococcal meningitis from casual contact, such as entering a room where an ill person has been or breathing the same air where there has been an infected person. Meningococcal meningitis is spread by direct contact with droplets or discharges from the nose or throat of a sick person (like from kissing or coughing.) Fortunately, these bacteria are not as contagious as germs like the common cold or the flu. Close contacts of the patient are usually given prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics. Close contacts are defined as household members, intimate contacts or day care center playmates of the ill individual. The kind of casual contact that occurs in a regular classroom, office or factory setting is not usually significant enough to cause concern. PREVENTION If there is a need for antibiotic prophylaxis from a significant exposure to bacterial meningitis, you will be contacted by a health official. (Of course, you can always check with your doctor if you have concerns.) In general, prevention of meningitis is similar to the prevention for all communicable diseases, with the first and most important strategy being frequent handwashing. It is also helpful to keep your environment clean. In day care settings, this includes routine cleaning and disinfecting of objects and surfaces, which is a very effective way to inactivate viruses. Other strategies for preventing viral and bacterial illness include:
For more information about meningitis, visit these websites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod
www.kidshealth.org
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