MENINGITIS

Meningitis is an inflammatory disease of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and are caused by bacterial or viral infections.

Viral meningitis is sometimes called aseptic meningitis to indicate it is not the result of bacterial infection and cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of meningitis, which may appear suddenly, often include high fever, severe and persistent headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting. Changes in behaviour such as confusion, sleepiness, and difficulty waking up may also occur.

In infants, symptoms of meningitis may include irritability or fatigue, lack of appetite, and fever.

Viral meningitis usually resolves in 10 days or less, but other types of meningitis can be deadly if not treated promptly. The most serious infections are caused by bacterial meningitis.