What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis and meningococcal Infection

Meningitis is an infection that can lead to a dangerous swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Because of this, meningitis can present various symptoms and respond differently to treatment.

Meningococcal infection is a serious problem which can lead to permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, or amputation; it can even lead to death if untreated. With early detection and treatment, meningitis is curable in most cases. Of course, it’s even better to prevent the disease altogether.

Viral vs. Bacterial Meningitis

There are two kinds of meningitis; each caused by different types of organisms:

Viral Meningitis – This is the more common form of the disease. Viral meningitis is usually not as serious as bacterial meningitis and patients usually get better with minimal treatment.

Bacterial Meningitis – This form of the disease is often referred to as meningococcal meningitis. Because it can be easily spread, meningococcal meningitis can cause outbreaks in a specific area, such as a college campus. Infection can cause serious illness, long-lasting effects on the nervous system, or death within 24 to 48 hours.