Bacterial Meningitis Scare
This Serious Infection Largely Strikes Teens and Young Adults
Meningitis, particularly the bacterial variety, is a serious, life-threatening neurological illness. It tends to strike teens and young adults away at college.
What is Bacterial Meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is an uncommon, but often deadly, infection. It is caused by one of several bacterial strains, such as streptococcus pneumoniae or meningococcal bacteria (currently the most prevalent.) This illness is often termed meningococcal meningitis. The bacteria in question attack a person's membranes, or meninges, that surround the brain and/or spinal cord. The bacteria cause inflammation to these membranes, making a person very sick.
As many as 3,000 people in the U.S. become infected with meningitis yearly. There is a viral type, but it tends to be less serious and can be overcome more easily. Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial, but the bacterial variety can be deadly. The prime population who is susceptible to bacterial meningitis is young adults (teens through twentysomethings.) The bacteria is spread by kissing; sharing food, utensils, or cigarettes; and even simply by being in close contact with others (spread of bacteria through coughing or secretions.)
Recent Cases
Sadly, bacterial meningitis strikes schools, particularly colleges, annually. Since college students are in close contact with other students (in the classrooms and dormitories), it is not so unusual for colleges to experience multiple outbreaks of bacterial meningitis.
Most recently, The University of Central Florida and Marian College (Wisconsin) have had two cases each of bacterial meningitis this semester. Marian College experienced one case in early October, from which the student made a full recovery. The second student to succumb to this illness is currently being treated at an area hospital. The statistics for The University of Central Florida are more grim: while a nursing student was successfully treated for bacterial meningitis in October, another student died in September from the illness.
Symptoms/Complications of Bacterial Meningitis
There are key signs and symptoms that indicate bacterial meningitis infection. Since close contact with infected people can spread the illness, those who have close relationships with infected patients or those who have been in close proximity to them should also be aware of potential symptoms:
- severe headaches
- high fever/chills
- stiff neck
- light sensitivity
- nausea/vomiting
- confusion/mental changes
- sleepiness
Complications from bacterial meningitis can include:
- brain damage
- hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain)
- kidney damage
- hearing loss/complete deafness
- blindness
- limb amputation
- mental problems, including psychological and intellectual
What to Do
If you or someone you know has symptoms of possible bacterial meningitis. you must get emergency treatment. The quicker the treatment, the better the odds of a positive outcome. Even those who begin treatment sometimes still die from the illness. If these symptoms occur, or if you have been in close contact with someone who is infected, especially if you are a student living in a dormitory, it is vital to seek immediate medical help.
- For more information on meningitis, read Meningitis Diagnosis and Treatment and Viral Meningitis
- For related neurological information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog
References:
