Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are the three membranes that surround the brain and protect the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the central nervous system.
Most often, meningitis is caused and classified by infection with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi or by how quickly it develops: Meningitis that appears suddenly (called acute meningitis). Sometimes it develops over a period of several days to a few weeks (called subacute meningitis). If it lasts 4 weeks or longer, it is considered chronic. It can recur after it has seemed to disappear (called recurrent meningitis).
People of any age can contract meningitis. Babies, young children, teenagers and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups, as their immune systems are still developing or weakened (in the case of the elderly). Patients with chronic illnesses or immunocompromised conditions also need extra attention regarding their condition.
In general, transmission is from person to person. In bacterial meningitis, some bacteria spread from one person to another through the respiratory tract, through droplets and secretions from the nose and throat; other bacteria can spread through food.
In viral meningitis, transmission depends on the type of virus, and fecal-oral contamination may occur through close contact (touching or shaking hands) with an infected person; touching objects or surfaces that contain the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands; changing diapers for an infected person; drinking water or eating raw foods that contain the virus. Some viruses (arboviruses) are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
The main symptoms are headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty moving the head from top to bottom (stiff neck), fever, irritability and convulsions. In bacterial meningitis, these symptoms are earlier and more intense, while in viral and fungal meningitis they tend to be milder and later.
In babies, some symptoms may not appear or may be difficult to identify. In general, the baby may be irritable, vomit, eat poorly, and appear lethargic or unresponsive. Other signs are a protruding fontanelle and abnormal reflexes.
The severity of the condition is closely related to the speed with which the disease progresses, the patient's previous conditions, and the body's ability to respond to infection and bacterial agents.
The sooner treatment is started, the lower the risk of the condition worsening and causing sequelae. Therefore, in the presence of symptoms that indicate the disease, it is very important to seek medical attention immediately.
Possible consequences associated with the disease include hearing loss, seizures, blindness, learning and developmental difficulties, and motor neurological deficits, such as decreased strength. In extreme cases, meningitis can lead to death.
The treatment of meningitis depends on the type and severity of the disease, but generally involves the use of antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals, as well as medications to alleviate symptoms.
Sources:
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board