Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord. The most common causes of meningitis are infections from viruses, fungi, bacteria, or parasites. It could also be caused by cerebrospinal liquid encircling the brain and spinal cord, a physical injury, or reactions to certain drugs. It is usually caused by the spreading of an infection around the brain and spinal cord in a human's body. It is a very dangerous disease.
In the past, most cases were seen in children under five years old. Because of current childhood vaccines, most cases are now seen in young men and women between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four. There have been incidents in older adults, as well. Meningitis affects countries in
Many of the signs and symptoms of meningitis are very easy to mistake as the signs and symptoms of the flu.
Symptoms of meningitis include:
- high fever
- severe headache
- vomiting or nausea
- seizures
- drowsiness
- stiff neck
- sensitivity to light in the eyes
- loss of appetite or thirst
- rash
Symptoms of the flu include:
- headache
- fever
- chills
- sneezing
- runny nose
- nasal inflammation
- blocked nose
- sore throat
- loss of appetite
Meningitis: Description
