Bacterial Meningitis
Description
Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. Symptoms develop rapidly and include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light. In infants, symptoms may include irritability, poor feeding, and bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head). Urgent treatment with intravenous antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, and death. Vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy, with vaccines available against several causative bacteria.