Why is meningitis a dangerous disease

They may also be given along with a corticosteroid to help reduce inflammation and swelling. Treatment also includes plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. However, even with prompt treatment, some may battle seizures, brain damage, hearing loss, and disability for the rest of their lives.

Meningitis can be fatal and some people with this infection will die. Vaccines are available to help prevent bacterial meningitis. Children now routinely get a meningitis vaccine around ages 11 to A booster shot is given at age Ask your healthcare provider if you or your children should be vaccinated. Bacterial meningitis is contagious. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes bacterial meningitis? What are the risk factors for bacterial meningitis? What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis?

The most common symptoms of bacterial meningitis are: Painful, stiff neck with limited range of motion Headaches High fever Feeling confused or sleepy Bruising easily all over the body A rash on the skin Sensitivity to light These are symptoms to look for in children: Irritability Vomiting from a high fever Frequent crying Swelling of the head Lack of appetite Seizures sometimes also seen in adults if the meningitis is advanced Symptoms typically come on quickly, in as little as a couple of hours or up to a day or two.

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed? Sometimes cancers, systemic lupus erythematosus lupus , certain drugs, head injury, and brain surgery can cause meningitis. Generally, the germs that cause bacterial meningitis spread from one person to another. Certain germs can spread through food.

How people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria. Read about common examples of how people spread the different types of bacteria to each other. People can spread the viruses that cause viral meningitis to other people. If you have close contact with someone who has viral meningitis, they may spread the virus to you.

However, you are not likely to develop meningitis. Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are serious and include meningitis and bloodstream infections septicemia.

Some kids may need extra oxygen or mechanical ventilation if they have trouble breathing. Bacterial meningitis complications can be severe and include neurological problems, such as hearing loss, vision problems, seizures , and learning disabilities.

Because impaired hearing is a common complication, those who've had bacterial meningitis should have a hearing test after they recover. The heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands also might be affected, depending on the cause of the infection. Although some kids develop long-lasting neurological problems, most who get a quick diagnosis and treatment recover fully. Routine immunization can go a long way toward preventing meningitis.

The Hib , measles, mumps, polio , and pneumococcal vaccines can protect against meningitis caused by those germs. Kids also should get the meningococcal conjugate vaccine MenACWY when they're 11 or 12 years old, with a booster shot at age Kids older than 11 who haven't been vaccinated also should be immunized, particularly if they're going to college, boarding school, camp, or other places where they'll live in close quarters with others.

This includes kids who:. A newer type of meningococcal vaccine called MenB protects against a type of meningococcal bacterium not covered by the older vaccine. Kids 10 years and older who have a higher risk for infection should get this vaccine. Others who are not at increased risk may also get it between the ages of 16 and 23 preferably between 16 through 18, which is when the risk of getting infected is highest. The decision to get the MenB vaccine should be made together with their parents and the doctor.

Kids and adults should wash their hands well and often, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom, and if they work closely with kids as in a daycare. Avoid close contact with someone who looks ill and don't share food, drinks, or eating utensils. These healthy habits are especially important for people at increased risk for disease, including:. Top of Page. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

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