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Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is also referred to as spinal meningitis.

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"Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling." Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated almost immediately when discovered or it can cause death in as little as a few hours. It can spread through food, but most of the time it goes from person to person. Any person can carry it on or in their body depending on the bacteria, and many who do carry it do so without ever appearing sick. This is especially dangerous as they can still pass the infection to others. More

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Many different types of bacteria can cause meningitis, but the most frequently seen ones are streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, and neisseria meningitidis. The image is of streptococcus pneumoniae. More.

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1. Fever

2. Vomiting

3. Stiff Neck

There are obviously many other symptoms, but these are the most frequent. Symptoms can also vary between each person depending on age.

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When bacterial meningitis is suspected in patients, the doctor will collect blood sample and fluid near the spinal cord. These fluids will then be tested in a labratory to determine the exact bacteria that is causing the infection, which will then determine the best course of treatment.

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The most effective mode of prevention is getting vaccinated. There are 4 different vaccines for 4 different types of bacteria that cause meningitis. It is also important to maintain healthy habits like avoiding people who are sick and washing your hands with soap and water frequently. The main treatment for people who have contracted bacterial meningitis is something called prophylaxis. This is when doctors prescribe various antibiotics to combat the infection.

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"A clear difference in the weighted frequency of bacterial meningitis cases caused by the different etiological agents was observed between age groups and between geographic regions. These findings may facilitate bacterial meningitis prevention and treatment strategies." More.

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Link.

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Anouk M Oordt-Speets, pHD

She's a freelance clinical epidemiologist who's "background is health sciences with a specialisation in movement sciences (Maastricht University, 2001) and clinical epidemiology (Erasmus Medical Center, 2004)." In 2006, she obtained her PhD "on the clinical effectiveness of chest radiography and upper abdominal ultrasound in general practice (Utrecht University)." More.

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Meningitis: Causes, treatment & lingering effects | Doctors Talk | Children’s Hospital of Phila