What is important to know about meningitis, foreign scientists told

Scientists from the University of Kentucky said that it is very important to know about meningitis. This is especially true for adults, who must recognize the key signs of the disease in their children.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. This infection is most often caused by either a bacterium or a virus. Although many people carry pathogens in their throats and nasal passages without harm, it is not known why this is associated with invasiveness and entry into the bloodstream. Viral meningitis is less serious in most cases. It is more common in the summer months and is spread by hand-to-mouth contact. Most symptoms resolve within three to four days without any residual complications.

In the second case, it is a much more serious situation, so early diagnosis and treatment are important to achieve the best results. In both variations, the symptoms are manifested in the form of high temperature, headache, and a tight neck. Nausea, vomiting, discomfort, confusion, hallucinations and seizures appear in bright light. It is noted that although the germs that cause bacterial meningitis can be passed from person to person, they are not spread by casual contact. This is done precisely through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions through kissing and drinking from the same glass.

"If bacterial meningitis is suspected, the patient should immediately seek medical help. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by a lumbar puncture. If the disease is not treated in the early stages, it can lead to death, and in many cases to brain injuries, hearing loss or learning disabilities," the scientists added.