In March 2025, a College of Virginia (UVA) scholar was recognized with bacterial meningitis. Fortunately, bacterial meningitis is a comparatively uncommon situation, with solely about 1,000 instances nationwide in a yr.
But it surely’s regular to really feel a heightened sense of concern when meningitis is in your yard. And there have been many questions and considerations raised by our neighborhood. Luckily, our scholar well being management saved college students knowledgeable and action-oriented on what to do to remain secure.
Finally, understanding the way to stop, acknowledge, and deal with this situation is data that helps safeguard public well being. Right here, we reply some often requested questions on meningitis.
What Causes Meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is a severe an infection that inflames the protecting membranes protecting the mind and spinal twine, known as the meninges.
Meningitis is brought on by:
- Micro organism
- Viruses
- Fungi (very not often)
In bacterial meningitis, the primary micro organism that trigger it are:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
- Hemophilus influenzae kind B (Hib)
- Group B streptococcus (Strep B)
These micro organism are typically harmful to totally different teams of individuals. Group B strep primarily impacts newborns whose dad or mum has the micro organism. Hib is often seen in younger kids.
That’s why we check for group B strep throughout prenatal appointments and vaccinate infants for Hib and pneumococcus.
However in adolescents and younger adults, meningococcus is essentially the most frequent reason for an infection. That is the underlying reason for the UVA scholar’s meningitis.
How Do You Get Meningitis?
When an contaminated individual coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can unfold into the air. These droplets come into contact with people who find themselves close by. Contact with saliva, like by way of kissing or sharing forks, can transmit the micro organism.
However the excellent news is that these micro organism don’t stay for lengthy outdoors of the human physique. So, you don’t want to fret about oblique contact, like utilizing the identical grocery cart as an contaminated individual.
What’s It Prefer to Have Meningitis?
Meningitis signs are typically sudden and exhausting to overlook.
- Fever: Over 100 levels, with sudden onset
- Headache: Extreme and protracted headache
- Neck stiffness: Cannot look down or side-to-side
- Nausea: With or with out vomiting
- Sensitivity to mild (known as photophobia)
- Confusion or sleepiness
Usually there may be additionally a rash, which seems like purple dots and doesn’t fade when pressed on. This rash could be very attribute and a tell-tale signal. However for those who’re having the above signs, you shouldn’t wait to discover a rash to get assist.
Even when it’s not meningitis, these signs imply you might want medical care.
So, Why Is Everybody So Scared?
They’re not scared; they’re knowledgeable and performing with urgency.
Bacterial meningitis can progress in a short time. Typically, inside a day. And, it often results in severe problems, even demise. Early therapy improves an individual’s possibilities of restoration, and treating individuals who got here into contact with the illness however don’t have signs can stop it solely.
Having Signs?
In case your signs are severe, name 911 immediately.
If you happen to suppose you’ve got been uncovered or wish to speak about meningitis vaccination and prevention, contact a main care supplier.
Is There a Vaccine?
Sure. Usually, you get vaccinated towards meningitis as an adolescent. In Virginia, meningitis vaccination is required for college students attending school.
We even have vaccines for a number of the causes of it, like Hib, which are given in infancy.
However some individuals can’t get the vaccine. And, even for those who’ve been vaccinated, there’s a small probability you could possibly get sick.
Are There Different Methods to Defend Myself?
All the commonplace hygiene practices that assist you keep secure throughout chilly season will assist right here.
- Wash your arms
- Don’t cough on others
- Don’t share utensils, drinks, or meals
Don’t Look forward to Therapy
At UVA, contact tracing and beginning antibiotics earlier than signs start has helped preserve this 1 case of meningitis from turning into an outbreak. Whereas not 100%, this considerably reduces the possibilities of creating meningitis.
Fixed Vigilance
Vaccination has led to a major decline within the instances of bacterial meningitis seen in the US. However educating others on the way to spot early signs and get therapy is one other necessary measure.
Luckily, on this case, no different instances have been reported.
If you’re a scholar at UVA and have further questions on upcoming vaccination clinics, take a look at the scholar well being sickness hub for extra instructions.
