Meningitis is a medical condition that can be explained as the swelling or inflammation of the meninges; which is a protective fluid membrane. This membrane is responsible for covering the spinal cord and the brain.

Meningitis can occur when the fluids which surround the meninges become infected as a result of a bacterial or viral infection. These are contagious and can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. However, bacterial and viral infections are not the only cause of meningitis and the condition can also be caused due to cancers, certain drugs and other infections as fungi and chemical irritation. Sometimes, meningitis can have a non-infectious cause in the sense that it can be the result of a physical injury to the head.

While most of the cases of meningitis in the country are the result of viral infections; fungal, parasitic and bacterial infections are also the other causes of this disease. The most common cause of meningitis in the country are viral infections, which are usually mild and nonlife-threatening followed by bacterial infections, which are more severe and life-threatening.

When it comes to the various causes of the condition, each type of meningitis can have a different cause but all of them can spread in a similar way. They spread in the body through the bloodstream and travel until they reach either the brain or the spinal cord. After this, they start infecting the fluids around these vital organs and then develop into an advanced infection.

When the meninges are inflamed, it usually triggers certain symptoms such as fever, stiff neck and headache. The symptoms can differ based on the cause of the infection with bacterial infections having the most severe symptoms.

Some of the commonest symptoms of meningitis include the following:

• Severe, unrelenting headaches
• Fever, ranging from low to high temperature
• Confusion, lethargy, and hallucinations
• Vomiting and nausea
• Stiff neck
• Increased irritability and restlessness
• Sleepiness and fatigue
• Sensitivity to light accompanied by a headache
• Decrease in appetite

Being the most dangerous kind, bacterial meningitis can be fatal within a few days if left without prompt treatment using antibiotics. Hence if a person experiences any of the above symptoms, they need to see a doctor at the earliest.

As dangerous as meningitis can be, its risks can be substantially reduced by taking certain preventive measures such as:

• Timely vaccination, also known as immunization is a must. The meningitis vaccine protects one against the four types of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.
• The practice of good hygiene. This includes not sharing any items and avoiding contact with someone infected with the sickness.
• Washing the hands properly, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
• Having a strong immune system by maintaining a good lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
• Covering the mouth during coughing and sneezing, as bacterial meningitis spreads in the air.