The glass test can assist in identifying a meningeal rash. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by a range of bacteria, including :. The bacteria that cause meningitis usually pass from one person to another, for example, through droplets in coughs and sneezes or through saliva or spit.
Some types can spread through food. Some people are carriers. They have the bacteria, but they do not develop symptoms. Living in a house with either a carrier or someone who has meningitis increases the risk.
It is important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to prevent meningitis. Recurrent bacterial meningitis is possible but rare. Studies show that 59 percent of recurrent cases are due to anatomical defects, and 36 percent occur in people with a weakened immune system. Treatment for bacterial meningitis normally involves admission to the hospital, and possibly an intensive care unit. Antibiotics are essential, and these may be started before the results of tests come back, possibly before arrival at the hospital.
Treatment includes :. As several types of bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, so a range of vaccines is necessary to prevent infection. The first vaccine was created in to protect against 4 of the 13 subtypes of N. A survey of 17 million people in the U. The CDC recommends that a single dose be given to children ages 11 to 12, with a booster shot given at age If the vaccine is first given between ages 13 and 15, the booster is recommended between ages 16 and If the first shot is given at age 16 or older, no booster is necessary.
This vaccine can also be given to children between the ages of 2 months and 10 years who are at high risk of bacterial meningitis or who have been exposed to someone with the disease. It's also used to vaccinate healthy but previously unvaccinated people who have been exposed in outbreaks.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes meninges surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Meningitis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Meningitis Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and three membranes meninges protecting your brain and spinal cord. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Sept. Bacterial meningitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bartt R. Acute bacterial and viral meningitis. Continuum Lifelong Learning in Neurology. Viral meningitis. Fungal meningitis. Derber CJ, et al. Read about common examples of how people spread the different types of bacteria to each other. People can spread the viruses that cause viral meningitis to other people.
If you have close contact with someone who has viral meningitis, they may spread the virus to you. However, you are not likely to develop meningitis. Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are serious and include meningitis and bloodstream infections septicemia. More about meningococcal disease…. Get clinical disease information, as well as vaccine recommendations and vaccination resources, for common causes of meningitis.
Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Depending on the cause, this type may get better without antibiotic treatment. If it worsens, however, your doctor may try to treat the infection itself. Viral meningitis may resolve on its own, but some causes of viral meningitis will be treated with intravenous antiviral medications.
Several types of meningitis are not contagious. Fungal, parasitic and non-infectious meningitis are not contagious. Viral meningitis is contagious. Droplets of infected fluid can be spread and shared with sneezing and coughing. You do not have to come into direct contact with an infected person to pick up this infection.
Schools, daycare centers, military barracks, hospitals, and college dormitories are prime locations for sharing this infection.
Some types of meningitis are spread through person-to-person contact but not all. Learn more about the types that are contagious and how you can avoid them. Babies who develop meningitis may show different signs and symptoms of an infection than adults. These symptoms can include:. Viral meningitis is common in infants. It develops as a result of colds, cold sores, flu, and diarrhea. The viruses that cause these common conditions also cause viral meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis, which is common but life-threatening, most likely spreads from a serious infection in a nearby area of the body. For example, the bacteria from a severe ear infection or sinus infection can enter the bloodstream and find their way to the brain or spinal cord and cause a bigger infection. Meningitis becomes more common in children as they grow older and reach high school and college ages.
Symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis in children are very similar to symptoms in adults. You may be curious if your child is at risk for developing this condition.
Read more about the risk factors of meningitis. The risk for several forms of meningitis decreases after young adulthood. Schools and college dormitories are common sites where some forms of meningitis can be easily shared.
Once a young adult ages out of these settings, the likelihood of an infection begins to fall. However, after age 60 , the risk starts to rise again. Adults with a compromised immune system are at a greater risk for developing meningitis. Likewise, adults in environments where individuals are in close contact with one another may be at greater risk for an infection. This includes teachers, healthcare providers, daycare staffers.
Diagnosing meningitis starts with a health history and physical exam. Age, dorm residence, and day care center attendance can be important clues. During the physical exam, your doctor will look for:. Your doctor will also order a lumbar puncture. This test is also called a spinal tap. It allows your doctor to look for increased pressure in the central nervous system. It can also find inflammation or bacteria in the spinal fluid. This test can also determine the best antibiotic for treatment.
Your doctor may also conduct a glass test. For this test, your doctor will roll a glass over the meningitis rash. If it does fade, the unusual spots on the skin may be the result of another condition.
This includes:. This will decrease your chances of developing the disease. Vaccinations can also protect against certain types of meningitis. Vaccines that can prevent meningitis include the following:. Practicing good personal hygiene may also help you prevent meningitis. Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, and personal items that may carry saliva or other fluids.
Take these steps to prevent getting meningitis. A meningitis infection may produce bacteria in the bloodstream. These bacteria multiply and some release toxins.
0コメント