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Meningitis is a disease that causes the inflammation of protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is communicable, so it can be spread from person to person. Bacterial Meningitis can be spread through food, close contact, and other similar ways. Viral Meningitis is spread through close contact, such as kissing or coughing.
https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html

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Viral or bacterial infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord can cause the inflammation. Other causes of Meningitis include:

injuries

cancer

certain drugs

https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html

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Bacterial Meningitis:
Must be treated immediately with antibiotics. A doctor may drain the patient's sinuses and mastoids.
Viral Meningitis:
This can cure itself in several weeks. The person infected should be on bed rest, drink many fluids, and can take pain medications.
Other Types:
If the cause is unknown, a doctor may give antibiotics. If it is proven to be a fungal infection, antifungal medications will be given.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350514

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Anyone can get meningitis although Infants from 6 -18 months are most affected by Meningitis as well as all children under the age of 5. Young adults are affected by meningitis because they are often around many people and could easily catch the virus. Elderly adults and people who are already sick have a higher chance of getting meningitis as well because of their weak immune system.
http://www.meningitis.org.nz/who_does_meningitis_affect

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getting vaccinated (the most effective way!)

be careful with food: make sure to fully cook meat and avoid cheese with unpasteurized milk

wash your hands and don't share food/drinks in order to stop the spread of germs

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350508

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- Every year over 1 million people are affected by meningitis.
- Meningitis can cause death or disability in a matter of hours.
- Bacterial meningitis causes 170,000 deaths every year.
http://www.comomeningitis.org/facts-about-meningitis/

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Symptoms of meningitis may appear between the first 3-7 days.  The symptoms and signs of Meningitis may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever headache and a stiff neck
- Muscle pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Cold hands or feet
- Molted Skin
- Rashes
Symptoms for infants may include:
- Breath quickly
- Refuse feeds
- Excessive crying
- Be stiff or Floppy
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9276.php