Meningitis: The Facts

What is meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is usually caused by bacteria or viruses.

What is the difference between bacterial and viral meningitis?
Many of the bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis are fairly common and are more often associated with other everyday illnesses. Sometimes, however, they spread to the meninges from an infection in another part of the body. The infection can start anywhere, including in the skin, gastrointestinal tract or urinary system, but the most common source is the respiratory tract. From there the microorganisms can enter the bloodstream, travel through the body and enter the central nervous system.

Viral Meningitis is relatively common and far less serious than bacterial meningitis. It often remains undiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to those of the common flu. The frequency of viral meningitis increases slightly in the summer and fall months because people are more often exposed to common viral agents during those seasons.

Bacterial Meningitis occurs in people of all ages but is more common in the very young (infants and young children) and the elderly (people above age 60). Teenagers and college students are also slightly more at risk for the disease because of time spent in close contact with many of their peers. Bacterial meningitis is less common than viral meningitis but is usually much more serious and can be life-threatening, if not treated promptly.

Meningitis Symptoms

• Rash, pinpoint red spots
  
• Purple, bruise-like areas
  
• High fever
  
• Severe headache
  
• Severe malaise
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Stiff neck
  
• Sensitivity to light
  
• Mental status changes

If your student notices potential symptoms of meningitis, if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if he thinks he has been exposed to someone with meningitis, he should go to the campus health center immediately. Meningitis can quickly become life-threatening and it's not worth taking any chances.

How is meningitis treated?
Early diagnosis and treatment is extremely important to prevent serious illness or death.

Antibiotics are prescribed and given by an IV (intravenous line). Other medicines may be used to treat the complications due to increased spinal fluid pressure.

Some information was adapted from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.