What is meningitis and where does it come from?

[just4kicks5000]

there have been a lot of commercials out lately that say adolescents are able to get it by kissing, sharing drinks or making close contact. why is this, and how do you know if you have it?

[LUV4GUNZ]

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the central nervous system, known collectively as the meninges. It may develop due to a variety of causes, including infective agents, physical injury, cancer, or certain drugs. Meningitis is a serious condition owing to the proximity of the location to the brain and spinal cord. The potential for serious damage to motor control, thought processes, or even death warrants prompt medical attention.Contents

[KissmyKat]

Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.Septicaemia is the blood poisoning form of the disease.The two forms of the disease have different symptoms. People who recover from meningitis and septicaemia may be left with a range of after effects that dramatically alter their lives.Meningitis is usually bacterial or viral, and occasionally is due to fungal infections, although almost any microbe can cause it.Viral meningitis can be very unpleasant but it is almost never life threatening and most people quickly make a full recovery.Bacterial meningitis is more serious and can be caused by a range of different bacteria, although most cases in the UK and Ireland are caused by meningococcal bacteria.Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis or septicaemia or both. Most people who get the disease have some symptoms of both meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia; together these two forms of the disease are known as meningococcal disease.Septicaemia is the more life threatening form of the disease and is more dangerous when there are no signs of meningitis.There are vaccines available against some types of meningitis and septicaemia and the MenC vaccine introduced in 1999/2000 has drastically reduced the number of cases of group C meningococcal disease in the age groups targeted for vaccination. Despite this, many other equally deadly forms of the diseases are not vaccine preventable, so until research finds the key to defeating these diseases, knowing about the diseases and being able to recognise the symptoms is vital.The risk of getting the disease is very low. Although meningococcal disease is infectious and can cause outbreaks, 97 out of every 100 cases are isolated, with no link to any other cases.The bacteria that cause the disease are very common: at any time about one in ten of us has them in our noses and throats without ever knowing they are there, and for most of us this is harmless. We pass the bacteria between each other by close contact (e.g. kissing).Usually we have to be in very close or regular contact with someone for the bacteria to pass between us. Even when this happens, most of us will not become ill because we have natural immunity.The bacteria cannot live longer than a few moments outside the human body, so they are not carried on things like clothes and bedding, toys or dishes.Meningitis Symptoms Fever Throwing up repeatedly Severe headache Stiff neck Dislike of bright lights Confusion / deliriousness Severe sleepiness / losing consciousness Rash Seizures

[babyb9867]

its an inflammation of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord and usually occur after untreated viral infections

[kimberly_mccachren]

This disease can cause deafness too.

[DAVID M]

Meningitis fast facts Symptoms and warning signs Meningitis and the body Resources and organizations What you need to know What you can do History of meningitis Vaccination and protection Talking to your child’s doctor Talking to your child Spread the word Become an advocate Request materials FightMeningitis.com : Understanding meningitis : Fast facts In order to fight meningitis, you need to understand it. Here are the most important things to know: What is meningitis? Who gets meningitis? How does a person catch meningitis? How can a person prevent meningitis? How is meningitis treated? Printer-friendly version What is meningitis? Meningitis is a common name for infections that take place in the membranes (called meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by viruses and by bacteria. One of the most serious forms of meningitis is caused by bacteria known as meningococci. Meningococcal Disease and Meningitis An infection with meningococcal bacteria causes a serious, potentially fatal infection called meningococcal disease1. You may have heard it referred to as bacterial meningitis. This Web site will focus on meningococcal disease, including meningitis. Meningococcal disease can affect the meninges, causing meningitis. It can also cause a very serious condition called sepsis (also known as blood poisoning). Each year, about 3000 people in the United States become infected with the bacteria, and as many as 1 in 10 of those people die2. As deadly as meningococcal disease can be, most cases in the United States (up to 83 percent of cases in adolescents and young adults) could potentially be prevented by a single vaccination.3,4 Viral Meningitis Another form of meningitis is caused by a virus. Viral meningitis is serious, but usually not life-threatening. Most patients with viral meningitis get better on their own in 7 to 10 days. Get the facts about fighting meningitis Back to top Who gets meningitis? Even people who are usually healthy can get meningitis. However, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that the risk of getting meningitis increases in teens and young adults.1,3 Tell your teen about the risk of meningitis Back to top How does a person catch meningitis? Although meningitis is uncommon, a person can catch it by having close personal contact with a person who is sick with the disease. There are also people who can carry the bacteria in their nose and throat but never become sick. Contact with these carriers can also cause someone to become infected with meningitis.2 Experts believe that some behaviors can put people at greater risk for getting meningitis. These include:2,4,5,22 Living in close quarters, such as college dormitories Being in crowded situations for prolonged periods of time Sharing drinking glasses, water bottles, or eating utensils Kissing Smoking or being exposed to smoke Activities that make people run-down and may weaken the immune system, such as staying out late and having irregular sleeping patterns Get tips on talking to your child about health issues Back to top How can a person prevent meningitis? While there isn’t a way to be 100 percent protected, you can help reduce the risk of getting meningitis by avoiding the behaviors that spread it. There is also a vaccination that can help prevent it. Ask your child’s health-care provider about how to protect your child. Learn more about preventing meningitis Back to top How is meningitis treated? A person with meningitis needs to be seen by a health-care provider immediately. If you think that someone you know has meningitis, get that person in for emergency care right away. If doctors suspect a patient has meningitis, they will give that person strong antibiotic medicine through an intravenous (IV) tube straight into their bloodstream. See how a typical meningitis case can develop Back to top How can meningococcal disease affect a person? Even with treatment, meningococcal disease can kill an otherwise healthy young person in 48 hours or less.2,6,7 The severe swelling in the brain and spinal cord, and sepsis (also known as blood poisoning) can lead to:2,6 Amputation of limbs, fingers, or toes Severe scarring Brain damage Hearing loss Kidney damage Emotional and psychological problems including anxiety, depression, difficulty working, and more The lasting effects of meningococcal disease can change a person’s life forever. That’s why it’s so important to protect people from this illness. Back to top Find out how meningitis can affect the body Watch demo You can lower your child’s risk Learn how Find out what to ask your child’s doctor Get tips