Description of Neisseria Meningitis

Sometimes called "spinal meningitis," meningitis is an inflammation of membranes covering the spinal cord and brain that results from either a bacterial or viral infection. One of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis is neisseria meningitidis.

Severity

• Bacterial meningitis results from one of several types of bacteria. Knowing which bacteria are present can help determine the course of treatment, as the proper antibiotic can stop the disease from spreading. Left untreated, bacterial meningitis can cause hearing loss, brain damage and learning disabilities.

How It Spreads

• The form of meningitis caused by neisseria meningitidis can spread from person to person. Those at risk of developing this form of the disease, meningococcal meningitis, from an infected person include those who live in the same house, attend daycare or school with the patient, and anyone who may come in contact with the patient's mouth.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include headache, high fever and a stiff neck. Patients may also experience vomiting, nausea, confusion and fatigue.

Prevention

• Considered effective and safe, vaccinations fight many bacterial infections, including neisseria meningitidis.

Immunization Against Meningitis

• Children between the ages of 11 to 18 are eligible for the vaccine against meningococcal conjugate. The vaccine known as Menactra is one of the routine vaccinations given at annual checkups for 11- to 12-year-olds.