Meningitis: Why It Occurs And The Symptoms To Watch Out For

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Meningitis is an inflammation of meninges (membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord). Meningitis is most often caused by viral infections, less commonly – by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or certain treatments (e.g. some types of cancer treatments). Meningitis is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention. If not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to brain damage and even death.

It takes several hours or a few days for the symptoms to develop. They may resemble flu at the beginning. Symptoms in adults and children aged 2 and older include:

- sudden high fever;

- severe headache that may seem different to headaches you’ve experienced before;

- stiff neck;

- nausea and/or vomiting;

- confusion, disorientation, and trouble concentrating;

- double vision;

- seizures;

- sensitivity to bright light;

- drowsiness;

- loss of appetite and decreased thirst;

- skin rash (characteristic only of some types of meningitis).

Symptoms in newborns and infants include:



- high fever;

- crying constantly;

- drowsiness or irritability;

- lethargy;

- poor feeding;

- a bulge in the soft spot on top of the head (fontanel);

- stiffness in the neck and body.

If you, your child, or someone else around you has the symptoms, call a doctor as soon as possible.



Certain factors can increase the risk of developing meningitis. They include:

- not getting the recommended vaccinations;

- age: Children under age 5 are at a higher risk of viral meningitis; people under age 20 are more likely to get bacterial meningitis;

- being pregnant: Pregnant women are at a higher risk of listeriosis, which may cause meningitis and endanger the baby’s life;

- weakened immune system: People who take medications that suppress their immune system, and people who have HIV/AIDS, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, or suffer from alcoholism are at an increased risk of meningitis;

- community living, e.g. living in dormitories or barracks, and attending boarding schools or day care centers.

You can take steps to prevent meningitis:

- get vaccines to prevent bacterial infections that cause meningitis;

- don’t share personal hygiene items, tableware, and other objects with someone who’s infected or may have been exposed to the infection;

- support your immune system by getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising;

- wash your hands with soap under running water, especially after going to the toilet, before eating and cooking, after touching animals, and after being in crowded places, such as public transport;

- to decrease your risk of listeriosis (especially if you’re pregnant), cook meat at temperatures high enough to kill the bacteria, and don’t eat cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.