In March 2025, a College of Virginia (UVA) scholar was identified with bacterial meningitis. Fortunately, bacterial meningitis is a comparatively uncommon situation, with solely about 1,000 circumstances nationwide in a yr.
However it’s regular to really feel a heightened sense of concern when meningitis is in your yard. And there have been many questions and issues raised by our group. Thankfully, our scholar well being management stored college students knowledgeable and action-oriented on what to do to remain secure.
Finally, understanding methods to forestall, acknowledge, and deal with this situation is information that helps safeguard public well being. Right here, we reply some steadily 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 sort B (Hib)
- Group B streptococcus (Strep B)
These micro organism are usually harmful to completely different teams of individuals. Group B strep primarily impacts newborns whose father or mother has the micro organism. Hib is steadily seen in younger youngsters.
That’s why we check for group B strep throughout prenatal appointments and vaccinate infants for Hib and pneumococcus.
However in adolescents and younger adults, meningococcus is essentially the most frequent reason for an infection. That is the underlying reason for the UVA scholar’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 kissing or sharing forks, can transmit the micro organism.
However the excellent news is that these micro organism don’t stay for lengthy exterior 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 crimson dots and doesn’t fade when pressed on. This rash could be very attribute and a tell-tale signal. However for those who’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 steadily results in critical problems, even demise. 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 forestall it fully.
Having Signs?
In case your signs are critical, name 911 immediately.
For those who assume you’ve got been uncovered or wish to speak about meningitis vaccination and prevention, contact a main care supplier.
Is There a Vaccine?
Sure. Sometimes, you get vaccinated in opposition to meningitis as a teen. In Virginia, meningitis vaccination is required for college kids attending school.
We even have vaccines for among the causes of it, like Hib, which can be given in infancy.
However some individuals can’t get the vaccine. And, even for those who’ve been vaccinated, there’s a small likelihood you could possibly get sick.
Are There Different Methods to Shield Myself?
The entire commonplace hygiene practices that show you how to keep secure throughout chilly season will assist right here.
- Wash your palms
- Don’t cough on others
- Don’t share utensils, drinks, or meals
Don’t Look forward to Therapy
At UVA, contact tracing and beginning antibiotics earlier than signs start has helped maintain this 1 case of meningitis from changing into an outbreak. Whereas not 100%, this considerably reduces the possibilities of creating meningitis.
Fixed Vigilance
Vaccination has led to a big decline within the circumstances of bacterial meningitis seen in the USA. However educating others on methods to spot early signs and get therapy is one other essential measure.
Thankfully, on this case, no different circumstances have been reported.
In case you are a scholar at UVA and have further questions on upcoming vaccination clinics, try the scholar well being sickness hub for extra instructions.