Meningitis

Meningitis

Meningitis is a very rare form of infection that affects membrane called meninges (brain and spinal cord). Majorly, it is caused by either bacteria, virus or fungi. In some cases, it can be due to certain medicine or prolonged illness.

Common Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms include –

• Lack of energy
• Irritability
• Frequent Headache
• Skin Rash
• Numbness in the body especially face
• Sensitivity to light
• Stiffness in the body especially neck area. It gets difficult to move your neck
• High fever
• In infants – they get cranky, refusing do take feeds, and are always sleepy

Causes

• Meningitis caused by bacteria is rare but life-threatening, if not treated timely. This disease is contagious and can spread between people closed to the infected person.
• Viral Meningitis is less harmful and can be treated easily with or without medicine.
• Fungal meningitis is very rare and it happens to people with low immunity level.
• Some of less common causes include – Autoimmune disorder, cancer medications, Tuberculosis

How to Prevent It

• Timely vaccination – Other vaccinations such as HIB, Measles, Polio, Pneumococcal vaccines can also help in preventing germs which causes meningitis.
• Keep your hands clean especially before eating and after using washrooms.