_basahin niyo mga kapatid.. What is bacterial meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the delicate membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. One form of bacterial meningitis, caused by Neisseria meningitidis (or meningococcus), is uncommon but potentially fatal and should always be viewed as a medical emergency. As many as 10-15% of cases lead to death, sometimes within 24 hours, and a significant number of those with who contract the infection have serious complications. How is it transmitted? It is transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions. Close contact—such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with an infected person—facilitates the spread of the disease. Droplet spread (versus airborne spread) generally takes place at a range of three feet or less, and prolonged contact generally is required for infection to occur. What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, severe headache, and vomiting. Rash may also occur. The symptoms usually develop within three to seven days of infection. Antibiotic treatment is effective, but it must be given without delay once meningococcal disease is suspected. What if I start to feel symptoms? If you suspect that you or someone you know has meningitis, seek medical care right away. Early, aggressive treatment of bacterial meningitis can prevent serious complications and death. Preventive oral antibiotic therapy for close contacts of confirmed cases is available and highly effective.
Posted on: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 01:26:04 +0000
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