Meningits

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tis may develop in some people.
· In babies, the signs of meningitis may be a fever, irritability that is difficult to calm, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, and a shrill cry. Babies less than 18 months of age may not have neck stiffness.
· Young children with meningitis may act like they have the flu, cough, or have trouble breathing.
· Older adults and people with other medical conditions may have only a slight headache and fever.
How is meningitis diagnosed?
Health professionals diagnose meningitis using a medical history, a physical exam, and one or more tests. During a medical history, you will be asked whether you have been exposed to organisms that can cause meningitis. You also will have a physical exam to look for signs of infection, such as a stiff neck and the inability when lying down to touch your chin to your chest without raising your legs. Lumbar puncture is the most important laboratory test for meningitis. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is removed and tested for organisms that cause meningitis. Other tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis, including a blood culture, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head, and biopsy of a skin rash.
How is meningitis treated?
Treatment for meningitis depends on the cause of the infection:
· People with meningitis caused by a virus often need only home treatment because they usually get better in about 2 weeks.
· People with meningitis caused by bacteria need to be treated with antibiotics in a hospital. They are more likely to develop complications during illness (such as prolonged fever and seizures) and long-term complications (such as hearing loss and vision problems). Death can occur if bacterial meningitis is not treated promptly.
Can meningitis be prevented?
In some cases, vaccination may prevent meningitis caused by certain organisms. Vaccines against the most common causes of bacterial meningitis (Streptococcus pneum...