Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain.
Today Neisseria meningitidis is one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis.
The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e. coughing, kissing).
Manifestations: sudden onset with:
- High fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Blotchy Rash
Diagnosis and treatment: Growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid usually is enough to make the correct diagnosis. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted into an area in the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible. Identification of the type of bacteria responsible is important for selection of correct antibiotics.
Treatment: Treatment is available. . Appropriate antibiotic treatment of most common types of bacterial meningitis should reduce the risk of dying from meningitis to below 15%, although the risk is higher among the elderly.
Vaccine: Vaccine is effective.
Prevent meningitis by:
- Vaccination Meningitis C is given for living in the UK. For travel other strains are more common. The combined A& C vaccine is most commonly given. For religious pilgrims to Mecca then a 4 strain vaccination certificate is required - A, C, W135 & Y. This situation is subject to change as the strains that predominate may change. Vaccination should be taken at least 2 weeks prior to travel.
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