Meningitis

What is meningitis?

• Simply put meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

• It is caused by both bacteria and viruses, but most commonly bacteria, or more specifically Neisseria meningiditis.

• Sometimes it is caused by an infection that has spread from one area of the body to these membranes.

• Once someone has meningitis several other problems may arise, for example septicemia (bacteria in the blood).

This picture shows a rash caused meningococcal septicemia.

How is it spread?

• Depending on the type, whether bacterial or viral, meningitis can be spread many ways– air droplets– kissing/close contact– contact with bodily wastes– sharing food, drink, towels, etc.

• Not everyone who becomes infected with a virus or bacteria associated with meningitis will actually get it.

• In most cases the only result will be a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection

Signs and Symptoms

• These will also vary depending on the bacteria or virus involved– fever– stiffness in neck– jaundice– vomiting– diarrhea– lethargy– irritability– skin rashes– seizures– headache– photophobia

Bleeding under the skin is a rare, but obvious clue.