Meningitis (Be aware of symptoms, occur at anytime) - Medtick
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Meningitis (Be aware of symptoms, occur at anytime)

What is it?

A Bacterial infection (more harmful) or a virus infection (less harmful) that causes swelling of meninges (a protective wall that surrounds the brain and spinal cord causing damage to nerves and brain).

  • This bacteria lives in the nasal passages causing no harm, however if entered in the bloodstream. It can cause septicaemia.
  • If the infection enters the brain it causes meningitis.
  • One can have both meningitis and septicaemia (meningococcal septicaemia).
  • Once a person is infected it takes from two to ten days for infection to show symptoms.

Countries where outbreak have occurred are (though can occur anywhere):

North America

  • United States of America (Alaska, Hawaii, Oahu, Maui)

Europe & Russia

  • Georgia
  • Netherlands

Africa

  • Benin
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Congo
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Kenya
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Togo
  • United Republic of Tanzania (Zanzibar)
  • Uganda

Middle East

  • Saudi Arabia

 

Australasia and Pacific

  • Australia
  • Fiji
Do not take Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs as it can worsen the condition. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is not recommended in asthma or asthma type symptoms. Check with your Medical doctor/Pharmacist when one can have any type of fever reducing medication to make sure it suitable for you.

Cause

  • Direct contact:
    • If infected person is of close proximity, talking, sneezes, cough, kissing and one breathes the bacteria/virus in.
  • Indirect contact:
    • Bacteria/Virus is on surface and another touches the surface and then touch their mouth or nose.
    • Sharing utensils and towels

Symptoms

Under the age of 2 yrs:

  • Excessive sleeping (drowsy, floppy, listless, not responding) or irritated (doesn’t like being handled)?
  • Vomiting?
  • Feeling poorly (refusing food)?
  • Crying a lot, moaning or high-pitched crying?
  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats?
  • Skin looks blotchy and pale?
  • Cold extremities (cold hands and feet)?
  • Purpuric (spotty rash that does not turn white when apply pressure)?
  • Bulging soft spot (fontanel) on their head?
  • Being stiff, jerk/seizure fits?
  • Rapid breathing and grunting and/or persistent hiccups?

Adults/Children:

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats?
  • Headache (severe)?
  • Stiff neck?
  • Purpuric Spot/rash (does not turn white under pressure)?
  • Rapid breathing and grunting and/or persistent hiccups?
  • Hate of bright lights?
  • Cold hands and feet?
  • Severe muscle pain?
  • Nausea and Vomiting?
  • Stomach cramps and diarrhoea?
  • Sleepiness (drowsy, difficult to wake)?
  • Confusion/delirious (irritated)?
  • Seizure/fits?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

General tips

  • Avoid gatherings with friends and family as well as crowded places.
  • Social distancing guide
  • Self isolation guide
  • Coughing and sneezing into tissues and then bin it, if you have no tissue then in the crook (inside)  of your elbow.
  • Do not touch your face with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with infected people (2 meter distance)
  • Do not share towels and utensils, dishes , drinking glasses
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
  • How to wash Hands

H.I.V test

  • A H.I.V test should be offered if one has this condition.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Meningitis (Be aware of symptoms, occur at anytime) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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