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Meningitis can affect people of all ages, although it is more
common among children - children under 5 years of age are at
greatest risk.
An infection and inflammation of the meninges (the membranes
covering the brain and spinal cord). A serious illness,
generally caused by one of three types of bacteria - Neisseria
meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus
pneumoniae. Spread through droplet contact, the disease can be
spread as long as the respiratory tract contains the offending
bacteria.
Symptoms:
- fever
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- stiff neck
- extreme sensitivity to bright light
- changes in consciousness - beginning with irritability,
confusion and drowsiness, which later leads to coma.
- seizures
Treatment:
Because determining the nature of the disease is vital for
effective treatment, the patient will usually have to undergo a
lumbar puncture. If the disease is caused by bacteria, the
doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. Other treatment
would include:
- analgesics for muscle pain and headache
- adequate fluid intake and balancing of electrolytes
- bed rest and comfort measures for photophobia
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