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Meningitis

FACTS:

• Meningitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
  
• Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
  
• Viral meningitis is usually less severe and will resolve without specific treatment.
  
• Bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.
  
• The symptoms of meningitis may occur several days after a child has a cold or runny nose.
  
• Symptoms of meningitis may include severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, fever/vomiting/diarrhea, drowsiness with the child being less responsive, and rash.
  
• Not everyone gets all of the symptoms and they can occur in any order.
  
• Other symptoms in babies may include, bulging of the soft spot on their head, blotchy skin (getting paler or turning blue), refusing to feed, irritable when picked up, and a stiff body with jerky movements.
  
• When any of these symptoms are present, the baby or child should see a doctor immediately.
  
• Early diagnosis is important.
  
• Some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious and can spread to others who have close or prolonged contact.
  
• People with a less competent immune system, like infants, are more at risk.
  
• The long term outlook for children with meningitis depends on the age, the type of meningitis, the complications, and the treatment the child receives.

TREATMENT:

• Vaccines are available to treat some types of bacterial meningitis.
  
• Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics.
  
• Treatment should be started early in the course of the disease.
  
• The type of meningitis needs to be determined for the right course of treatment.