MENINGITIS
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MENINGITIS
MENINGITIS is an infection of the delicate membranes covering the brain. It can affect anyone but mainly strikes young children, teenagers and the elderly. Early signs are a combination of a high temperature, headache, vomiting, a stiff neck and a dislike of bright light. Getting medical help fast is very important.
Many types of germ can cause meningitis infections. They fall into two main categories - bacteria and viruses, bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis. Viral meningitis tends to be less severe and most people recover fully. Measles or mumps can cause it but this is far less common now that most children are immunized against these illnesses.
Treatment can be effective but it has to be fast, particularly in bacterial meningitis. Many people with the illness make a full recovery, but meningitis can kill.
Bacterial meningitis is catching and infectious. The infection can spread through groups of children who study and play together. In general, close contact such as coughing, sneezing, kissing or cuddling is needed to spread the disease. The germ passes from person to person via tiny droplets in the air and it takes two to three days for symptoms to appear. Bacteria don't live long outside the body so they won't be picked up from swimming pools or buildings, for example.
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