Bacterial Meningitis
What is bacterial meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that
surround the brain and the spinal cord. When this
infection is caused by bacteria it is called bacterial
meningitis. There are several types of bacteria that
can cause bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis
can be severe. Most people get better, but some
have life-long medical problems or die from the
infection.
What are the symptoms?
The following symptoms develop quickly, usually
within a few hours to 1 2 days:
Sudden high fever Classic
Severe headache symptoms of
Sore, stiff neck meningitis
Nausea and/or vomiting
Light hurts eyes (sensitivity to light)
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
Seizures
Loss of appetite
Sometimes a skin rash
In babies and young children:
High fever
Constant crying
More sleepy and less active than normal
More fussy or irritable than normal
Not eating or drinking well
A bulge of the soft spot on top of the head
How is it spread?
It depends on the type of bacteria but usually by:
Coming into close contact with an infected
person (for example, kissing or living in a
house or dorm with an infected person);
Sharing water bottles, food, drinks, straws,
utensils, lip balm, toothbrush, or cigarettes.
For more information
Disease Control ~ 828.250.5109
Located at 40 Coxe Ave, downtown Asheville, NC 28801
Who is at higher risk?
Teens and college students 16 - 21 years old
Infants less than 1 year of age
People with certain medical conditions (for
example, those with weak immune systems
or diabetes)
Travelers (especially people who travel to
sub-Saharan Africa or travelers to Mecca)
However, bacterial meningitis can occur in all age
groups, including the elderly.
How serious is bacterial meningitis?
It is VERY serious!! Meningitis can be deadly.
About 1 in 10 people with bacterial meningitis
will die.
Anyone with symptoms of bacterial meningitis
should go to the emergency department as
soon as possible.
The disease can get very bad very fast.
The longer someone with meningitis goes
without treatment, the greater the risk of
seizures, coma and other severe problems,
including death.
Some people who get better after having
bacterial meningitis have permanent hearing
loss, brain damage, or lose an arm or leg.
Treatment
Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics.
It is important to start treatment very quickly.
Prevention
Vaccines can help prevent some types of
bacterial meningitis.
Dont share items that come in contact with
someone elses saliva. Avoid sick people.
Antibiotics may also be given to close contacts
of a person with meningitis.
Revised January 2014