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Write A Term Paper On Meningitis

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Many people have heard about meningitis but they are not exactly sure what it is. According to the Center for Disease Control, Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is most common in children although, it can attack people of all ages. In 1805, “ Vieusseux first discovered Meningococcal meningitis during an outbreak in Switzerland, though it wasn’t until 1887 that the causative agent was identified by Anton Weichselbaum” (Manchanda 2006). The name given to it was Neisseria intracellularis due to the nature of the intracellular oval micrococci of the organism. The disease was fatal in 70 percent of the cases before the 1920s. There are over 10 different serotypes that cause infection. Common causes of meningitis vary by strain and age groups.
Causes/Symptoms/Transmission
Meningitis may develop in response to a …show more content…

Rarely, these bacteria can invade the body and cause disease. Most people who ‘carry’ the bacteria never become sick.

The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within 3-7 days after exposure.
Babies younger than 1 month old are at a higher risk for severe infections, like meningitis, than older children. In newborns and infants, the classic meningitis symptoms of fever, headache, and neck stiffness may be absent or difficult to notice. The infant may appear to be slow or inactive (lack of alertness), irritable, vomiting or feeding poorly. In young infants, doctors may look for a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on infant’s head) or abnormal reflexes, which can also be signs of meningitis. If you think your infant has any of these symptoms, call the doctor or clinic right away

Viral Meningitis
Common Symptoms in

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