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Historic Facts About Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that surround the brain or spinal cord. A virus or bacterial infection usually causes the condition, and symptoms include a stiff neck, headache, sensitivity to light and fever.

  1. First Known Outbreak

    • The first known outbreak of meningitis occurred in 1805 in Geneva, Switzerland, but doctors could not isolate and identify the agent responsible.

    Bacteria Identification

    • Neisseria meningitides, the bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis, was not identified until 1887. There are now 12 sub-types of this bacterium that have been identified.

    Recent Mass Outbreaks

    • One of the largest mass outbreaks of meningitis occurred in Africa in 1996. More than 250,000 cases were reported, with 25,000 deaths.

    Vaccines and Treatment

    • The first vaccine to prevent meningitis was introduced in 1978, and in the mid 1940s, penicillin was among the first medicines to be used to treat meningitis.

    Historic Mortality Rates

    • Mortality rates for meningitis were extremely high. At the beginning of the 20th century, 75 to 80 percent of individuasl with the illness died. Current mortality rates for meningitis, depending on the strain, are from five to 20 percent.

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