Brittini Johnson
Bacterial Meningitis Bacterial Meningitis is a severe infectious disease that has many complications such as brain damage or learning disabilities. In the United States between the years of 2003-2007 there were about 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis reported including 500 deaths. Causes of this infectious disease include pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pnuemoniae, group B strep, Listeria monocytogenes and Neisseria meningitis. The causes of this disease can be different for each age group. Infants are at a higher risk of bacterial meningitis, although it can affect anyone. College students who live in dorms and those in the military are at a higher risk for being infected as well. Those who are taking medications or have had certain diseases or surgical procedures are at an increased risk as well. Others who may be at a greater risk include those who travel to sub-Sharan Africa or Mecca during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. Transmission of this disease can occur through respiratory and throat secretions such as kissing. Some of the germs that cause this virus can be contagious although they are not as contagious as the bacteria that cause the cold of flu. In some people the bacteria can spread to other people, this typically happens when contact is close or long. This type of thing typically happens in daycares or households shared with a sick person. Most healthy people that ‘carry’ the disease in their nose or throat rarely get sick. Sudden onset of fever, stiff neck, and headache are just a few signs of Meningitis infection. Symptoms that follow these signs can include nausea, vomiting, confusion or sensitivity to light. These symptoms can occur quickly or it could take a number of days. 3-7 days is usually the time frame in which they develop. Later symptoms of this infection can be very severe. Postponed symptoms include seizures or coma. Diagnosing Meningitis is through blood samples that are sent to the lab for
