In March 2025, a College of Virginia (UVA) pupil was recognized with bacterial meningitis. Fortunately, bacterial meningitis is a comparatively uncommon situation, with solely about 1,000 instances nationwide in a yr.
Nevertheless it’s regular to really feel a heightened sense of concern when meningitis is in your yard. And there have been many questions and considerations raised by our group. Luckily, our pupil well being management saved college students knowledgeable and action-oriented on what to do to remain protected.
In the end, understanding methods to stop, acknowledge, and deal with this situation is data that helps safeguard public well being. Right here, we reply some ceaselessly requested questions on meningitis.
What Causes Meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is a critical an infection that inflames the protecting membranes masking the mind and spinal wire, referred to as the meninges.
Meningitis is attributable to:
- Micro organism
- Viruses
- Fungi (very not often)
In bacterial meningitis, the principle micro organism that trigger it are:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
- Hemophilus influenzae kind B (Hib)
- Group B streptococcus (Strep B)
These micro organism are usually harmful to totally different teams of individuals. Group B strep primarily impacts newborns whose mum or dad has the micro organism. Hib is ceaselessly seen in younger youngsters.
That’s why we take a look at for group B strep throughout prenatal appointments and vaccinate infants for Hib and pneumococcus.
However in adolescents and younger adults, meningococcus is probably the most frequent reason behind an infection. That is the underlying reason behind the UVA pupil’s meningitis.
How Do You Get Meningitis?
When an contaminated individual coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can unfold into the air. These droplets come into contact with people who find themselves close by. Contact with saliva, like by means of kissing or sharing forks, can transmit the micro organism.
However the excellent news is that these micro organism don’t stay for lengthy outdoors of the human physique. So, you don’t want to fret about oblique contact, like utilizing the identical grocery cart as an contaminated individual.
What’s It Wish to Have Meningitis?
Meningitis signs are usually sudden and laborious to overlook.
- Fever: Over 100 levels, with sudden onset
- Headache: Extreme and chronic headache
- Neck stiffness: Cannot look down or side-to-side
- Nausea: With or with out vomiting
- Sensitivity to mild (referred to as photophobia)
- Confusion or sleepiness
Usually there’s additionally a rash, which seems like purple dots and doesn’t fade when pressed on. This rash may be very attribute and a tell-tale signal. However when you’re having the above signs, you shouldn’t wait to discover a rash to get assist.
Even when it’s not meningitis, these signs imply it’s possible you’ll want medical care.
So, Why Is Everybody So Scared?
They’re not scared; they’re knowledgeable and appearing with urgency.
Bacterial meningitis can progress in a short time. Typically, inside a day. And, it ceaselessly results in critical issues, even loss of life. Early therapy improves an individual’s possibilities of restoration, and treating individuals who got here into contact with the illness however don’t have signs can stop it solely.
Having Signs?
In case your signs are critical, name 911 straight away.
When you suppose you have been uncovered or wish to discuss meningitis vaccination and prevention, contact a major care supplier.
Is There a Vaccine?
Sure. Usually, you get vaccinated towards meningitis as a teen. In Virginia, meningitis vaccination is required for college students attending school.
We even have vaccines for a few of the causes of it, like Hib, which are given in infancy.
However some folks can’t get the vaccine. And, even when you’ve been vaccinated, there’s a small probability you may get sick.
Are There Different Methods to Shield Myself?
The entire commonplace hygiene practices that show you how to keep protected throughout chilly season will assist right here.
- Wash your arms
- Don’t cough on others
- Don’t share utensils, drinks, or meals
Don’t Anticipate Remedy
At UVA, contact tracing and beginning antibiotics earlier than signs start has helped preserve this 1 case of meningitis from turning into an outbreak. Whereas not 100%, this considerably reduces the possibilities of creating meningitis.
Fixed Vigilance
Vaccination has led to a major decline within the instances of bacterial meningitis seen in the USA. However educating others on methods to spot early signs and get therapy is one other vital measure.
Luckily, on this case, no different instances had been reported.
If you’re a pupil at UVA and have extra questions on upcoming vaccination clinics, take a look at the pupil well being sickness hub for extra instructions.