Preventing Meningitis Outbreaks - An Overview

Introduction:

Meningitis outbreaks occur in almost all parts of the world. Major recurring epidemics (sudden increases in cases of certain illnesses in a community) occur in sub-Saharan Africa.

Pneumococcal meningitis is the most common to occur in African regions. These outbreaks can be managed by vaccination. Vaccines for this condition have been used for the past 50 years.

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is a devastating disease that causes inflammation of the tissues around the brain and spinal cord. This condition may be fatal and lead to many complications. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi cause it. These infections are transmitted from person to person. Sometimes, injuries, cancers, and drugs may cause it. It can affect anyone of any age group.

Bacterial meningitis is considered to be dangerous because it can be fatal within 24 hours.

The main causes of bacterial meningitis include:

• Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus).

• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).

• Haemophilus influenza.

• Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus).

Though the infection may occur among anyone, children are affected the most. Newborns are at an increased risk from group B streptococcus infection. Young children are found to have an increased risk of meningococcus, pneumococcus, and haemophilus influenzae. Adolescents and young adults are at risk of meningococcal disease, and elderly individuals are at risk of pneumococcal disease. A higher risk may be observed among nearby people, like in mass gatherings, refugee camps, overcrowded households, or in students, military, or occupational settings. Other risks include immunodeficiency because of HIV infection, complement deficiency, immunosuppression, and active or passive smoking.

What Are the Symptoms of Meningitis?

The symptoms of meningitis caused by bacteria and viruses appear similar, but the symptoms caused by bacteria are more severe. The symptoms can vary depending on age.

Symptoms caused by viral infections include:

• Reduced appetite.

• Experience irritability.

• Experience vomiting and diarrhea.

• Experience rash and respiratory symptoms.

Viral meningitis symptoms among adults include:

• Headaches are seen.

• Experience fever, stiff neck, and seizures.

• Feel sensitivity to bright light, sleepiness, and fatigue.

• Reduced appetite and altered mental status may be observed.

Fungal meningitis symptoms include:

• Experience nausea, and vomiting

• Sensitivity to light may be observed.

• Other symptoms include stiffness of the neck, fever, headache, a sense of being not well, and confusion and disorientation.

What Are the Types of Meningitis?

Bacterial and viral meningitis are common in occurrence. Others are fungal meningitis, parasitic meningitis, noninfectious meningitis, and chronic meningitis.

Viral Meningitis: These are considered the most common and are caused by enterovirus. Enterovirus was found to cause 52 % infection among adults and 58 % among children. These infections are most common in summer and fall. These viruses include:

• Coxasakievirus A.

• Coxasakievirus B.

• Echoviruses.

Viruses of the enterovirus category can cause 10 -15 million infections a year but only a small percent of people get affected by meningitis.

Other viruses that can cause meningitis include:

• West Nile virus.

• Influenza.

• Mumps.

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

• Measles.

• Herpes viruses.

• Coltivirus causes Colorado tick fever.

Viral infections go off without any treatment. Some causes may have to be treated.

Bacterial Meningitis: Meningitis caused by bacteria is considered contagious and can be fatal if not treated. One in 10 people affected by bacterial meningitis dies, and one in five can develop complications. This may occur even with treatment.

Bacteria causing bacterial meningitis include:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae in the respiratory tract, nose, and sinuses can be responsible for pneumococcal meningitis.

• Neisseria meningitides may develop meningococcal meningitis by spreading through saliva and other respiratory fluids.

• Listeria monocytogenes are food-borne bacteria.

• Staphylococcus aureus can be found in the skin, and the nasal cavity can cause staphylococcus meningitis.

Fungal Meningitis: Fungal meningitis is rare, caused by fungi and it spreads through the bloodstream to reach the brain and spinal cord.

Individuals with weakened immunity are at more risk, such as with cancer or HIV. These include:

• Cryptococcus: These are inhaled from soil or dirt, especially from the bird's droppings.

• Blastomyces: It is found in soil.

• Histoplasma: These are found in an environment filled with bat and bird droppings. This occurs especially in the Midwestern states near the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

• Coccidiodes: These are found in the soil of the U.S. Southwest and South and Central America.

Parasitic Meningitis: This type of meningitis is rare compared to bacterial and viral meningitis. Parasites in the dirt and feces cause these and on some animals and food.

Eosinophilic meningitis may be caused by parasites like

• Angiostrangylus cantonensis.

• Baylisascaris procyonis.

• Gnathostoma spinigerum

Parasitic meningitis does not spread through humans but affects animals and hides in some animal food products.

Noninfectious Meningitis: These are not infections but are caused due to underlying conditions.

These include:

• Lupus.

• Head injury.

• Brain surgery.

• Cancer.

• Certain medications.

Chronic Meningitis: A meningitis that lasts for more than four weeks.

How to Prevent Meningitis Outbreaks?

Meningitis can be prevented through vaccination. The vaccine protects against bacterial meningitis.

These vaccines can prevent meningitis caused by:

• Meningococcus.

• Pneumococcus.

• Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib).

Since bacterial and viral infections can spread from one infection to another, precautions must be taken to prevent them from spreading.

These include:

• Healthcare providers must be consulted to take antibiotics for bacterial infections.

• Washing hands frequently should be practiced, especially before eating.

• Avoiding contact and sharing cups, utensils, and toothbrushes.

• Covering the mouth and nose during cough and sneeze.

• Disinfecting the surfaces touched often.

• Staying healthy by practicing exercise regularly, eating healthy, and getting enough rest. These help maintain a good immune system.

Vaccination:

The vaccine is available for meningococcal, pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae. Vaccines are developed to fight against the most harmful strains, but there is no universal vaccine available yet.

Antibiotics:

Antibiotics can decrease the spread of bacterial infections. When antibiotics are given to those in close contact with meningococcal disease, it can reduce the transmission of the disease. This type of treatment is called chemoprophylaxis.

Preventive vaccination programs must be conducted to educate people about meningitis.

What Are the Complications of Meningitis?

The complications of meningitis include:

• Loss of hearing.

• Issues related to memory.

• Disabilities related to learning.

• Brain damage may occur.

• Walking may be troublesome.

• The kidney may fail.

• Experience shock.

• Death may occur, too.

Conclusion:

Meningitis is an infection occurring in the surrounding area of the brain and spinal cord. It has many causes and hence many types of meningitis can be observed. It becomes important to know about meningitis, its types, causes, symptoms, complications, and preventive measures to avoid the condition. Knowing helps in identifying the disease early. Early diagnosis leads to effective treatment. Prevention of the condition helps prevent the condition, and people can live without the condition with education about meningitis.