The Facts on Meningococcal and Pneumococcal Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis (meningococcal or pneumococcal) can cause brain damage, stroke, and other severe long-term effects — and could even be fatal — if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Each of us has a fluid-filled three-layered covering called the meninges surrounding our spinal cord and brain. When the meninges get infected, the condition is called meningitis.
Most often, meningitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

 The two main germs that cause bacterial meningitisin the United States are streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis caused by streptococcus pneumoniae is called pneumococcal meningitis. When the infection is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, it is called meningococcal meningitis. (Staphylococcal meningitis is another type of bacterial meningitis.)

Damage From Meningitis
 
Because the meninges are an integral part of the nervous system’s structure, a bacterial infection can have devastating effects. Bacterial meningitis may cause or lead to:

• Blockage of the brain’s blood vessels leading to brain damage or stroke
• Loss of hearing
• Kidney disease
• Limb amputations
• Death

There may also be an association between meningococcal meningitis and kidney and adrenal gland failure, and shock.

Pneumococcal Meningitis: Who Is at Risk
 
The most common type of bacterial meningitis is pneumococcal meningitis. The disease primarily affects — and can be fatal in — younger children, but pneumococcal meningitis can also cause death in older children. Besides young children, people who are at risk of getting pneumococcal meningitis are those whose immune systems have been weakened by disease, including HIV, diabetes, or lung disease, or those who live in long-term nursing facilities.

In the United States, about 6,000 cases of pneumococcal meningitis are reported each year. But, since 2000 in the United States, a safe and effective vaccine has been available. Because children younger than 2 years are in the group most susceptible to pneumococcal meningitis, health officials recommend that babies between 2 months and 23 months receive the vaccine to guard against it. The vaccine is also recommended for the other high risk groups.

Meningococcal Meningitis: Who Is at Risk
 
Meningococcal meningitis is contagious and potentially deadly, yet preventable. The disease occurs when meningococcal bacteria, which normally can be found in the nasal passages or throat, get into the bloodstream and travel through the body.

Of the almost 3,000 cases of meningococcal disease each year in the United States, 10 to 12 percent result in death. About 20 percent of those who survive have long-term health problems.

Everyone is susceptible to meningococcal meningitis, but some age groups are particularly at risk. These include children, adolescents, and young adults. Researchers have discovered that college students who live in dorms are particularly vulnerable. In fact, teens and young adults account for almost 30 percent of meningococcal meningitis cases in the United States. About 83 percent of adolescent cases could have been prevented through vaccination.

Meningococcal and Pneumococcal Meningitis Symptoms
 
In general, symptoms of pneumococcal and meningococcal meningitis include headache, fever, and a stiff neck. There may also be confusion, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to look at bright lights without discomfort. If the disease continues unchecked, there may be other, more severe symptoms, including seizures. Meningococcal meningitis can also cause a red or purple rash.

Meningococcal and Pneumococcal Symptoms in Infants
 
Pneumococcal meningitis and meningococcal meningitis can affect children as young as newborns. Of course, it can be hard to distinguish many typical adult symptoms in a baby or toddler.

Infants with pneumococcal or meningococcal meningitis may appear irritable and inactive, and stop feeding well. Like infected adults, babies with meningitis may vomit.

Treatment Options for Bacterial Meningitis
 
It’s critical to detect and treat pneumococcal or meningococcal meningitis immediately to prevent their destructive effects. Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics may also be given to anyone who has been in close contact with a person with bacterial meningitis.

If you, or someone you know, experience two of the symptoms noted above, or if one of the symptoms occur suddenly or severely, get medical help right away.