What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the tissues (and sometimes the spinal fluid) that surround the brain and the spinal cord. When these tissues (or fluid) are infected the brain swells, and less blood and oxygen reach the brain.  This may cause permanent damage. The illness can range from mild to life-threatening; its severity depends on the age of the person infected as well as his or her overall health.

Meningitis usually is caused by viruses or bacteria, but in rare case, fungi, parasites, tuberculosis, lyme disease or complications from other illnesses can cause the infection.  In some cases, the cause is unknown.

Who is most likely to be affected by meningitis?

Meningitis most often affects infants, young adults between 15 and 24, senior citizens and people with compromised immune systems.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

Meningitis causes fever, a severe and persistent headache and a stiff and painful neck.  Other symptoms may include: vomiting, decreased level of consciousness, seizures, muscle aches, sluggishness, eye sensitivity, skin rash or dizzy spells.

Babies infected with meningitis may be fever, unusual irritability, decreased appetite and a shrill cry. Infants less than 18 months of age may not have neck stiffness. Young children with meningitis may act like they have the flu or a cough, and they may have trouble breathing.  Older adults and individuals with other medical conditions may have only a slight headache and fever.

Doctors test for meningitis with a physical exam to look for signs of infection. Infected patients who lie down usually cannot touch the chin to the chest without lifting their legs. The most important test is the lumbar puncture, in which doctors take a sample of spinal fluid to test for organisms with meningitis. 

Have there been cases of meningitis in Montgomery County?

Montgomery County Health Department reported 100 cases of viral meningitis in 2003; 96 cases were reported both in 2004 and 2005. 

How is meningitis treated?

Treatment for meningitis depends on the type of infection.

Viral meningitis cases are the most common, and most patients can be treated at home with pain medication and fluids. These individuals usually get better within two weeks.

Bacterial meningitis cases are more prone to complications and must be treated with antibiotics in the hospital. If not treated properly, bacterial meningitis can cause hearing and vision loss, even death.

How can I protect myself from meningitis?

Vaccination is the best prevention against meningitis. Vaccines may prevent some types of bacterial meningitis and are recommended for children, older adults and other individuals with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is also recommended for people traveling to areas where meningitis is prevalent (especially sub-Saharan Africa), for children entering middle and high school, and for college freshmen who will be living in dormitories.  The type of vaccination varies according to individual conditions.

To find out more about meningitis, check out the WebMD web site, http://www.webmd.com/hw/infection/aa34697.asp, or ask your doctor.