1. Meningococcal Meningitis
By: S.R.

2. What is Meningococcal Meningitis?
Its an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord
It can be caused by different types of organisms including bacteria and viruses
Viral meningitis is generally less severe while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe

3. What are they symptoms?
Early symptoms are fever, headache, stiff neck, rapidly developing rash
Later symptoms are nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking in bright lights, confusion, sleepiness, and developing seizures
Rash is usually found on the armpits, groin, ankles, and where elastic pressure is applied (socks and underwear)
Symptoms appear 2-10 after exposure, usually within 5 days.

4. How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid
Spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted into an area in the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible.

5. What is the treatment?
Penicillin and certain related antibiotics are very effective in treating meningitis
Recognition of infection is important
With appropriate treatment, most patients recover without any problems

6. Some ways of preventing disease
Someone could get an immunization shot, which takes at least a week after administration before protection is provided
Don’t smoke: cigarette smoke increases the risk of developing meningitis
Try avoiding upper respiratory infections
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Frequent hand washing may be preventative a well
By having a healthy lifestyle by having a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol always improves a persons ability to resist diseases.

7. Who gets this disease?
Anyone can get Meningococcal disease, but it is more common in infants and children.