How do people get meningitis?

Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause acute bacterial meningitis. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or — rarely — some surgeries.

What is meningitis and its types?

Meningitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, followed by bacterial meningitis. Rarer types of meningitis include chemical and fungal meningitis. The most common types of bacterial meningitis are meningococcal, pneumococcal, TB, group B streptococcal and E.

How does meningitis affect the body?

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen quickly.

Does meningitis go away by itself?

Viral meningitis (when meningitis is caused by a virus) is the most common type of meningitis. Most people get better on their own without treatment. However, anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor right away because any type of meningitis can be serious.

What do meningitis spots look like?

A petechial rash looks like pin-prick red or purple spots on the skin, and can resemble flea bites. A purpuric rash looks more like bruising, showing up as reddish-purple areas on the skin.

What are signs of meningitis in adults?

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• a high temperature (fever)
• being sick.
• a headache.
• a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
• a stiff neck.
• a dislike of bright lights.
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness.
• seizures (fits)

Can you catch meningitis from another person?

The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces. They easily spread through coughing and sneezing. Direct or indirect contact with an infected person increases your risk of getting the same virus.

Where do meningitis spots appear?

Look for small spots on paler parts of the body, such as the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. Usually, the rash is not raised, so the skin is unlikely to feel rough or bumpy. At first, the rash may be mild and subtle, but it can spread to larger areas of skin.

What effect does meningitis have on a person?

Meningitis causes swelling in the central nervous system , affecting the entire body and potentially causing long-term effects. Meningitis is swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. There are different types of meningitis, but most are caused by viruses or bacteria.

What does meningitis refer to?

Meningitis refers to inflammation of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain. It is primarily caused by bacterial or viral infections. It can harm or destroy nerve cells and cause bleeding in the brain.

What are common symptoms of meningitis?

The most common symptoms of either form of meningitis include: Fever. Severe and persistent headache. Stiff and painful neck, especially when trying to touch the chin to the chest. Vomiting. Confusion and decreased level of consciousness.

What is the best medicine for meningitis?

Penicillin is the drug of choice for the treatment of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. Chemoprophylactic antimicrobials most commonly used to eradicate meningococci include rifampin, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), ceftriaxone.