Communicable Diseases

• Most cases of meningitis transmitted through the secretions of the respiratory system.
• The onset of symptoms is similar to influenza, and exacerbates during a short period.
• There is no cure for viruses, treatment is based on supplying the body with fluids.
• Vaccination is one of the most important ways to prevent the disease. 

​Bacterial meningitis: Each age group is infected by diffident type of bacteria, it is contagious and life-threatening.

Viral meningitis: It is the most common type of meningitis, more common at the end of summer and early fall, and it is contagious and usually mild and quickly disappears.

Chronic meningitis: It spreads between people if it is bacterial.

Other types: fungal meningitis, parasitic meningitis and chemical meningitis. ​​

• ​​Sneezing.
• Coughing.
• Kissing.
• Sharing cups, toothbrushes, cigarettes and others.
• ​Bacterial meningitis: Usually is transmitted from people with bacteria in the throat or nose and is rarely transmitted from infected people.
• Fungal meningitis: It is acquired from environment (such as: inhaling soil contaminated with birds or bats droppings) and it is not transmitted from person to person.
• Parasitic meningitis: It is acquired from environmental sources (such as rodents including mice and raccoons).

• ​Skipping vaccinations.
• Age: Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children younger than age 5. Bacterial meningitis is common in those under age 20.
• Pregnancy.
• Weak immunity as a result of AIDS, diabetes or spleen removal and others.
• Living in a community setting (such as compounds or military bases) as infection spreads quickly through large groups.
• Travelling to infected areas like the African meningitis belt countries.
• Be in contact with infected persons.
• Be in contact with infected pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah season. 
  Symptoms: 
  

• ​Sudden high fever.
• Stiff neck.
  
• Severe headache with nausea and vomiting.
• Skin rash.
• Seizures.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Sleepiness or difficulty waking.
• Sensitivity to light.
  

• ​High fever.
• Inactivity or sluggishness.
• A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby's head (fontanel).
• Stiffness in a baby's body and neck.
• Poor feeding.
• Frenzy and refusal to be hold by others.
• Constant crying.
• Seizures.
• Skin rash in some cases. 
  

• Seek immediate medical care if you or someone in your family or even your colleague has meningitis symptoms, you may need to get vaccine to prevent infection. 
  

• ​Death.
• Hearing loss.
• Memory and concentration difficulty.
• Learning disabilities.
• Gait problems.
• Seizures.
• Kidney problems. 
  Diagnosis:
  

• ​Medical history.
• Clinical examination.
• Laboratory tests: blood culture, spinal tap (lumbar puncture).
• CT scan.
  

• ​Viral meningitis: It cannot be treated with antibiotics, usually disappears without medical intervention through resting, drinking fluids and using painkillers. Doctor may prescribe steroids to relieve swelling of the brain membranes or anti-epileptic medications to control seizures.
• Bacterial meningitis: It can be treated with intravenous antibiotics and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and drugs vary according to the type of bacteria. 

• ​Supplying fluids through veins to avoid dehydration.
• He may use antivirals (treatment depends on body's resistance), and antifungals as per the cause of meningitis. 

• ​Vaccination against bacterial meningitis.
• Washing hands properly.
• Maintain good hygiene, don't share cups, toothbrushes and other things with anyone else.
• Improve your immune system by following healthy behaviors such as eating healthy diet and exercising regularly.
• When you need to sneeze, be sure to cover your mouth and nose.
• Provide preventive treatment for those coming from infected areas or have been in contact with meningitis patients. 
  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
  

• Is it safe to vaccinate pregnant woman against meningitis at the first weeks of her pregnancy?
  

• Is there any link between smoking and meningitis?
  

• Meningitis is a mild form of disease?
  

• Meningitis cannot be treated.
  

• Only newborns get meningitis.
  

• ​Babies with meningitis are not advised to get vaccine. 
  

1. ​There are many types and causes of meningitis, as well as many vaccines (including three types in the vaccination table in the Kingdom), having one type does not prevent infection with the other.
2. The same type of meningitis can occur again as there is no natural immunity (i.e. the after-effect immunity lasts for only few years).