Find Out How You Measure Up Against Meningitis

Meningitis, or inflammation of the meningeal layers that cover the brain and spinal cord, may result from many causes. Due to these multiple means of exposure, meningitis can be contracted both in the United States and abroad. Learn the risk factors for this disease to decide whether you require vaccination.

How could I be exposed?   

There are five types of meningitis: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, and non-infectious, each of which involves a different point of exposure. These diseases also vary in severity and have different treatments.

Bacterial meningitis, or meningococcal meningitis, is the most common and serious form of the disease. It can cause brain damage and is fatal in 50% of untreated cases. Various bacteria may cause meningitis. In the United States, the most common are Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Listeria monocytogenes, and especially Neisseria meningitidis. The latter is also common in sub-Saharan Africa. These bacteria are transferred between individuals through respiratory or throat secretions. Therefore, common points of exposure include kissing, coughing or sneezing, and living in close quarters where eating and drinking utensils are shared. Travelers, especially those visiting the “meningitis belt” (Senegal to Ethiopia) of sub-Saharan Africa, or those making a pilgrimage to Mecca, face increased risk.

While the other types of meningitis are less common, they do continue to affect individuals and bear mention. Viral meningitis is the second most common type of the disease and is most often caused by enteroviruses, which are contracted through feces and may be spread through mucus or saliva. Fungal meningitis results when an inhaled fungus spreads through the blood to the spinal cord. This means of exposure is uncommon, and fungal meningitis cannot be passed between individuals, though it can severely compromise already weak immune systems, including those of individuals infected by HIV. The rare parasitic meningitis results from exposure to the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which enters the body through the nose when people swim in freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Finally, non-infectious meningitis may be the by-product of certain cancers, lupus, head injury, or brain surgery. Parasitic and non-infectious meningitis also cannot be spread between individuals.

What symptoms should I be aware of?

There are several characteristic symptoms of meningitis common to the disease, regardless of the type of exposure. Meningitis often first presents itself as the sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. The typical symptoms that develop within three to seven days after exposure include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Photophobia, a.k.a. increased sensitivity to light 
• Altered mental status, or confusion

Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor immediately for antibiotic or antifungal treatment. Other drug regimens may also be undertaken, depending on the type of meningitis. However, for most individuals, vaccination is the most proactive of treatments.

Should I be vaccinated?

Administration of the meningitis vaccine can come in two forms: the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) and the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). All adolescents should receive MCV4 at the age of 11 or 12. A booster dose should also be given at around age 16, because adolescents aged 16-21 have the highest rates of disease. The vaccine and booster are particularly important for entering college freshmen and military recruits, who will live in a dormitory or close quarters. Adults living in similar situations, or those traveling to countries in which the disease is common, should also seek out vaccination at a certified travel clinic.