Meningitis
What is meningitis and how does it affect people?
What Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, which are the three membranes that line the skull and enclose the brain and the spinal cord.
What Causes Meningitis?
Meningitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, although a viral infection is more common. Bacterial meningitis usually occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and migrate to the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is caused by a virus and is mild. It usually clears up on it's own.
What Are The Symptoms of Meningitis?
Some common symptoms for meningitis include having a stiff neck, an extreme headache, or a fever. Most people with meningitis experience pain in the back, muscles, or neck.
Are There Any Treatments For Meningitis?
Yes, Depending on the cause, meningitis may get better on its own, or it can be life-threatening, requiring urgent antibiotic treatment.
Facts About Meningitis
- meningitis kills or disables about around 1.2 million people worldwide each year.
- cases of meningitis are more frequent in developing countries because of poverty, overcrowding, and lack of access to vaccines.
- meningitis survivors can suffer long-term effects such as deafness, brain damage, seizures, and learning difficulties.