Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by either viruses or bacteria.
Bacterial meningitis
Meningitis caused by bacteria is rare, but very serious and a medical emergency. A common bacterialform that is seen in adolescents and young adults is meningococcal meningitis and those age 16-23 are at higher risk for this disease. Early diagnosis and treatment for meningococcal meningitis is essential as it can be life threatening. Anyone with these symptoms should be seen right away:
- Fever
- Sudden, severe headache
- Neck and back stiffness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Rash
- Mental changes/confusion
If you have bacterial meningitis, you will need to be hospitalized and isolated to prevent further spread of the infection. You will be treated with intravenous antibiotics. People who have had close contact with persons with known bacterial meningitis urgently should contact the Health Center medical clinic or their primary care provider to consider a preventive course of antibiotics.
Anyone can get meningococcal meningitis. Healthy habits are still important: not smoking, getting adequate exercise and eating well, managing stress, washing hands and not sharing oral or respiratory secretions
Vaccination is the BEST form of protection. There two types of meningococcal vaccine, one can help prevent meningococcal disease caused by subgroups A, C, W and Y and the other can help prevent the disease caused by subgroup B. Ideally college students under the age of 23 should receive these vaccines before coming to campus. These vaccines are also available at the Health Center Immunization clinic. Call 812-855-7688 to schedule an appointment.
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis can present with the same symptoms as bacterial meningitis listed above. It is often less severe than bacterial meningitis and usually resolves without specific treatment. Testing is needed right away to diagnosis if the disease is viral or bacterial.
Resources
For more information visit these Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources: