Meningitis is an infection of the layers that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, and bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that can kill or cause brain damage within hours. It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children and young adults. Fast hospital treatment saves lives.
Symptoms
High fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Vomiting
Dislike of bright light
Confusion, drowsiness or fits
A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
In babies: bulging soft spot on the head, poor feeding, high-pitched crying, floppiness
Causes
Bacteria such as meningococcus, pneumococcus and Hib
Viruses, which usually cause a milder illness
Tuberculosis (TB meningitis)
Spreads through coughing, sneezing and close contact
Not being vaccinated
Prevention
Complete childhood vaccines, including pentavalent (Hib), pneumococcal and BCG
Meningitis vaccines during outbreaks or for travel such as Hajj
Cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands
Close contacts of a person with bacterial meningitis may need preventive antibiotics from a doctor
Treatment
Go to hospital immediately; every hour matters
Antibiotics given into a vein in hospital for bacterial meningitis
Fluids, oxygen and medicines to control fits
TB meningitis needs long treatment with TB medicines
Follow-up for hearing and development after recovery
Do not try to treat at home and do not start prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
What is the glass test?
Press the side of a clear glass firmly on a rash. If the spots do not fade and can still be seen through the glass, it may be meningitis with blood poisoning. Go to hospital immediately.
Can meningitis cause lasting problems?
Yes. Some people have hearing loss, learning problems or fits after bacterial meningitis. Quick treatment lowers this risk, and hearing should be checked after recovery.
