April 24 is World Meningitis Day
April 24, is designated World Meningitis Day by the worldwide Confederation of Meningitis Organizations. The day is marked as a great opportunity for people all over the world to raise awareness through telling patient stories, highlighting signs and symptoms of the disease and increasing knowledge of available vaccines.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. More than 1 million people worldwide are affected each year, with more than 170,000 deaths occurring annually.
There are three types, each caused by different factors and treated in a different way. In all cases, the best way to prevent the disease is to be vaccinated against it.
The symptoms of all types of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light.
On World Meningitis Day, learn more about the various types of the illness below:
Bacterial Meningitis
Most people recover from bacterial meningitis, but it can be deadly. The disease spreads from person to person in a variety of ways, including from mother to child or through coughing or saliva transfer.
Bacterial meningitis is treated through antibiotics, though it is important for the illness to be caught early.
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form in the United States, and is often less severe than the bacterial version. Viral meningitis is most commonly caused by non-polio enteroviruses, though other viruses like the mumps, measles and influenza can also cause viral meningitis.
In addition to the common symptoms, viral meningitis can also cause a lack of appetite, sleepiness or lethargy.
In most cases, no specific treatment is required for viral meningitis as patients typically recover on their own in 7- 10 days although some people are prescribed antiviral medications to treat viral meningitis.
Environmental (Fungal) Meningitis
Environmental meningitis is rare and usually caused by fungus spreading through the blood to the spinal cord. Those with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of developing fungal meningitis.
Treatment for fungal meningitis is treated with long courses of antifungal medications, usually through an IV.
You can learn more about meningitis by visiting the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/meningitis/. To get vaccinated, click hereto find The Little Clinic near you.