It's a great day to be alive and I remain extremely thankful for the gift of a platform like Hive at a time like this, today, I will be writing on ''Meningitis''. Meningitis is a fluid inflammation and the inflammation of three membranes that surrounds the spinal cord and the brain. It is often caused as a result of a bacterial or a viral infection, but other associated causes are fungi, cancer, and other types of reactions to drugs. Some of the existing bacterial meningitis is very contagious and could get transmitted through close contact, sneezing, and coughing.
Different types of bacteria can cause meningitis, but these three are the most frequent ones, we have; Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitides*, the N.meningitidis causes meningococcal meningitis, it has an enormous potential of producing large epidemics.
Streptococcus pneumonia: This bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, little children, and adults, in most cases, it causes pneumonia or ear or sinus infections, A vaccine would help prevent this infection.
Neisseria meningitidis: This bacteria causes bacterial meningitis known as meningococcal meningitis, the bacteria would cause an upper respiratory infection but can cause meningococcal meningitis when they get into the bloodstream. This infection is a highly contagious one that affects basically teenagers and young adults, creating local epidemics in college dormitories, boarding schools, and military bases. A vaccine could help with the prevention of infection, even when vaccinated, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has meningococcal meningitis should be given oral antibiotics to help prevent the disease.
Haemophilus influenza is a type b bacterium, it was once the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children. New Hib vaccines have reduced significantly the number of cases of meningitis.
Listeria monocytogenes: The bacteria could be found in unpasteurized cheeses, lunchmeats, and hot dogs. Pregnant people. newborns and adults who have weak immune systems are most susceptible. During pregnancy, listeria could cross the placenta, and infections during late pregnancy may be fatal to babies.
Meningococcal meningitis can affect anyone regardless of age, but it is more particular among babies, and younger ones, the disease can occur in a range of situations from sporadic cases, to little clusters, and grow into large epidemics all through the world with existing seasonal variations. The geographical distribution and epidemic potential differs based on serogroup, the largest burden of meningococcal meningitis happens in the meningitis belt, which is an area of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west of Ethiopia in the east.
The bacteria causing meningitis are transmitted from one person to another through the droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers. Close and prolonged contact like kissing, coughing, or sneezing on someone living in close quarters with an infected person, facilitates the spread of the disease. The incubation day for the disease averagely would usually take about 4 days, but could also be within 2-10 days.
The symptoms associated with viral and bacterial meningitis can be similar in the first phase, but the symptoms could be more severe in the later phase, and symptoms could also vary depending on the age of the infected person. In children, the symptoms are; vomiting, rash, reduced appetite, irritability, diarrhea, and respiratory symptom problems. However, in adults, viral meningitis could cause; fever, seizures, sleepiness, lethargy, reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting, stiff-necked, headaches, and an altered mental state.
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop suddenly, they include; Headache, irritability, vomiting, chills, light sensitivity, affected mental status, fever, lethargy, and sleepiness. With the experience of any of these symptoms, medical attention needs to be sorted out instantly. Bacterial and viral meningitis can be highly deadly and there is no way to judge the presence of bacterial or viral meningitis by just judging the way you feel, the doctor will perform a test to determine the way you feel.
The symptoms of fungal meningitis are similar to other symptoms, they include; vomiting, light sensitivity, nausea, stiff-necked, headache, disorientation or confusion, and general unwellness. You can suspect that you have chronic meningitis when symptoms last beyond 4 weeks, and the symptoms of chronic meningitis are very similar to other forms of acute meningitis and could even take time to develop.
Neisseria meningitides infects just humans, the bacteria could be carried through the throat and can overwhelm the body's defense sometimes giving room for the spread of infection through the pathway of the bloodstream into the brain. The bacteria from a meningococcal meningitis infection basically gets reproduced in the blood and targets cells around the capillaries, the damage done to these cells produces capillary damage and mild blood leaks, which shows up as a rash that is faint, pink, red, or purple in color, the spots may look like pinpricks and could be easily mistaken for a bruise. As the infection worsens and spreads around, the rash could become more obvious as the spots get darker and much more larger, those with dark skin may not have an obvious meningitis rash.
There is a higher chance of developing meningitis when;
When a vaccine is skipped, anyone who has not completed the recommended childhood or adult vaccination schedule is at risk of getting meningitis.
Age is a strong factor, usually common in children who are younger than 5 years and those who are under the age of 20.
College students who are living in dormitories, boarding school children, and childcare facilities stand an even higher chance of getting meningococcal meningitis and this is probably because the bacterium is spread through the respiratory route and spreads quickly through large groups.
Pregnancy is also a high risk of infection caused by listeria bacteria, the infection increases the chances of miscarriage, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
A weak immune system caused by; diabetes, AIDS, alcohol disorder, consumption of immunosuppressant drugs, and other factors that can affect our immune system increases the risk of meningitis. Removal of the spleen also increases this risk, those without a spleen need to get vaccinated, as this would lower the risk of infection.
The longer meningitis stays in the body of either a child or an adult without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and permanent neurological damage gets, some of the damages include; brain damage, seizures, memory issues, difficulty walking, shock, learning disability, kidney failure, and eventual death.
If there is a prompt response to treatment, even those with a severe case could get treatment.
While we write about the prevention of meningitis, we have to be reminded that, common viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through, coughing, sneezing, sharing utensils, kissing, cigarette, and toothbrush. These steps can help prevent meningitis;
Carefully and constantly washing hands to prevent the spread of germs.
Sharing of straws, food, drinks, toothbrushes, and lip balms should greatly be avoided too.
Get enough rest, regular exercise, and consume lots of fruits accompanied with a balanced diet, this will help you stay healthy and help maintain a good immune system.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or you sneeze.
Try to avoid activities that get you in close contact with dust or dirt including digging, gardening, or yard work.
During pregnancy, be extra careful with the food consumed, cook your meat carefully, and select cheese that is labeled as being made with pasteurized milk.
Clean skin injuries properly with soap and water in order to reduce the chances of getting a skin infection.
If your healthcare provider says you need antifungal medications, then take them.
