Bacterial meningitis in a nutshell
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In an epidemic it is caused by bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

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The bacteria which cause meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis are very common and live naturally in the back of the nose or throat. They can be spread by prolonged close contact and by coughing, sneezing and intimate kissing. The bacteria survive for only a short period of time outside the body, so they do not live long in the air and are not carried on household objects. They also cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools or food processing plants.

Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia. Septicaemia occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and release toxins, which break down the walls of the blood vessels.

Who is at risk?
Anyone can contract meningitis, but those most at risk are all people gathered in groups, like schools, student residences, and army barracks. Children under five, teenagers and young adults (the 14-25 age group), older people (over 55), and people with certain chronic illnesses are most at risk.

People in the same household or closed environment, or anyone with direct contact with a patient's oral secretions (such as a partner) would be considered at increased risk of acquiring the infection.

Watch out for these symptoms
The following symptoms of meningitis (and septicaemia) may occur in adults and older children over the age of two years:

Common symptoms:
High fever and chills
Severe headache
Stiff neck (unable to touch chin to chest)
These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take one to two days. Meningitis can resemble a bad case of the flu.

Other symptoms may include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Discomfort looking into bright lights
Drowsiness
Pain in arms, legs and abdomen
Confusion or disorientation, delirium (delusions or hallucinations)

– (Health24, Sapa)
 

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