Meningitis is a swelling of the membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord and is usually caused by an infection. Most people recover from meningitis but permanent disabilities like brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities may follow after the infection. Bacterial meningitis specifically is a very serious type of meningitis, which is a major cause of child mortality in Pakistan. Each year,an estimated 23,000 children die of bacterial meningitis in our country.Spreading awareness about this major cause of death and disabilities in our community can help save the lives of many.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck. The infection occurs most often in children,teenagers, and young adults. Older adults and people who have long-term health problems, such as a weakened immune system are also at risk. There are two main types of meningitis:​

• Viral meningitis, which is fairly common and does not cause serious illness. In severe cases, it can cause prolonged fever and seizures.
• Bacterial meningitis, which is not as common, but is very serious. It needs to be treated right away to prevent brain damage and death.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis?

If you or a member of your family has meningitis, look for signs and symptoms that include the sudden onset of fever,headache or a stiff neck. There are also other symptoms to keep note of such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia (which is a heightened sensitivity to light) or mental confusion. In newborns and babies, it may be difficult to notice this list of symptoms. Instead, you should look out for babies being slow, inactive or irritable. Vomiting or not feeding properly could also be indicative of meningitis in young babies.

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over a period of several days. They will typically develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure. Later symptoms of bacterial meningitis can be very serious, resulting in seizures or a coma. If you think your child or anyone else in your house has these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. If you’re having trouble leaving the house, please visit Shifaam.com and consult with your doctor virtually.

How does it spread?

The germs that cause bacterial meningitis spread from one person to another. Certain germs spread through food. In other cases, people can have these bacteria in or on their bodies without being sick(they are “carriers”). Carriers don’t usually become sick, but can still spread the bacteria to others. These are the most common ways through which people can spread different types of bacteria to each other:

• Group B Streptococcus and E.coli: these bacteria can be passed by mothers on to their babies during birth.
• Hib and S. pneumoniae: these bacteria are spread by people coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the bacteria.
• N. meningitidis: these bacteria are spread by sharing respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit). This typically occurs during close (coughing or sneezing) or lengthy (living together)contact.
• E. coli: these bacteria spread by eating food that is prepared with unwashed hands from after using the toilet.

Steps toward prevention?

Vaccination is the most effective way that you can protect yourself and your loved ones against certain types of bacterial meningitis. A vaccine to prevent meningitis is easily available in Pakistan and can be given as a single injection to anyone within 2 to 55 years of age. It is absolutely necessary for all parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated as per schedule. If you are unsure about your child’s vaccination schedule, you can visit the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) for more information. You can also help protect yourself and others from bacterial meningitis by maintaining healthy habits like avoiding cigarette smoke, getting plenty of rest and maintaining your distance with people who are sick.

Sources:

The Agha Khan University Hospital:

The Express Tribune:

Centers for Disease & Prevention:

Expanded Program on Immunization - GOP:

Healthline: