Meningitis: Protect Your Kids

Following the recent deaths from a meningitis-related disease of two Ohio teens, parents across the country have become increasingly concerned about meningitis and how it is spread. And with good reason. About 5,800 cases of bacterial meningitis occur annually in the United States, involving very young children as well as high school and college students, according to the Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA).



"Meningitis is an illness that strikes fear and worry in all pediatricians," says Christine Curtis, M.D., a pediatrician in Manhattan Beach, Calif. "It is a rare illness, but the pain, suffering and serious consequences to patients and families are so high."



Fortunately, vaccines -- including a new one released in the United States less than two years ago -- have been tremendously helpful in preventing meningitis. Here are the facts.



What Is Meningitis?



Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Except in rare cases, it is caused by either viruses or bacteria.



  • Viral meningitis, the most common type, is a relatively mild illness that requires no treatment and clears up within two weeks. About 75,000 cases appear annually nationwide, according to the MFA.



  • Bacterial meningitis is a serious, potentially fatal illness requiring immediate medical attention. Lasting effects from bacterial meningitis can include deafness, mental retardation, partial paralysis or seizure disorders. It is the leading cause of acquired deafness in infancy and childhood. Two of the most common types are pneumococcal meningitis and meningococcal meningitis.



    Approximately 20 percent of pneumococcal meningitis and 3 percent of meningococcal meningitis cases end in death, the MFA reports. And about 16 percent of all bacterial meningitis cases result in lasting effects such as those mentioned above.



    Symptoms of both viral and bacterial meningitis include fever, headache and neck stiffness. Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and general malaise also may occur. With viral meningitis, symptoms are generally milder and flu-like. With bacterial meningitis, symptoms develop quickly, sometimes over a few hours, and may be followed by drowsiness or loss of consciousness. With meningococcal meningitis, a deep-red or purple rash can appear, which may signal blood poisoning.



    Transmission



    Anyone who spends a great deal of time in group settings, such as children in day care, students living in dormitories and even nursing-home residents, may be at increased risk for meningitis. Young children are more susceptible to bacterial meningitis than any other group, according to the MFA.



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