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What New College Students Should Know About Bacterial Meningitis

As students head off to college, close quarters in new spaces could put them at risk for contagious illnesses, including bacterial meningitis. Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician, explains the common ways meningitis spreads and the best way to prevent an infection.

Meningitis is a condition that inflames the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. While there are several forms of meningitis, an infection caused by bacteria is considered the most severe form, and may lead to seizures, vision loss or death if not treated quickly.

"Meningitis often presents with symptoms such as fever, a stiff neck, headache, maybe even mental status changes, and sometimes even a very distinct rash on the skin," says Dr. Ardon.

Bacterial meningitis, also known as meningitis B, can spread by sneezing or kissing, and sharing straws or drinks, among other ways. Dr. Ardon says college students are a group at higher risk for contracting meningitis due to their living conditions.

"They're in a dormitory, in residence halls, spending a lot of time together in close quarters," says Dr. Ardon.

Preventing meningitis starts with two rounds of booster shots: one around 11 or 12 years old, and another at 16.

"At college age, we have the opportunity to potentially boost the dose if it's been some time and also offer another vaccine that protects against meningitis B," says Dr. Ardon.

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Herpes Meningitis: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Herpes viruses are common infections that can lie dormant in the body without causing symptoms. Sometimes, the herpes virus may reactivate as meningitis, a severe viral infection of the brain.

Herpes meningitis is an infection caused by a herpes virus that leads to swelling in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include fever, stiff neck, and vomiting. Antiviral medications can help treat herpes meningitis.

Herpes meningitis is caused by an infection with a herpes virus. There are three main types of herpes virus that can cause herpes meningitis. These include:

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1): HSV-1 commonly causes sores on the mouth. Sometimes, it can also lead to sores on the genital area.

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2): HSV-2 often causes sores on the genitals, but it can sometimes also cause sores to form on the mouth.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV): VZV is a virus that can lead to infections such as chickenpox and shingles.

These viruses are spread through human contact or through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Because there are many different causes of herpes, there are also many different ways for it to spread.

For instance, when people who already have an infection cough or sneeze, the droplets can travel through the air and land on nearby surfaces. Others can then inhale these droplets. This is typically how VZV spreads. Herpes viruses can also spread through oral or sexual contact, as with HSV.

The herpes virus can stay dormant in a person's system for years after an initial infection. Herpes meningitis most often occurs when the virus reactivates inside a person's body. It can cause herpes meningitis at any time.

Early diagnosis can help prevent further development of meningitis. Diagnosing herpes meningitis can involve tests such as:

a neurological exam to test motor and sensory function

a lumbar puncture to gather a sample of your spinal fluid to test in a lab

imaging tests such as an MRI and CT scan so doctors can look for swelling in and around the brain

blood tests to help check for an infection

an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain waves.

If doctors diagnose herpes meningitis, they will often prescribe IV acyclovir or oral valacyclovir.

People who develop severe herpes meningitis may require hospital treatment. Hospital treatment can also be recommended for people with weak immune systems, infants, and older adults. In the hospital, you typically receive antiviral treatment through an IV.

In addition to antiviral medications, a medical professional might recommend:

Herpes meningitis typically responds best to early treatment. However, people with severe herpes meningitis might need long-term treatment and care and additional treatment for its complications.

Herpes meningitis is an infection caused by a herpes virus. It can lead to headache, fever, stiff neck, and other symptoms.

Although mild cases can sometimes resolve on their own, hospital treatment is required for severe herpes meningitis. Taking steps to protect yourself from herpes viruses, such as getting the VZV vaccine and using condoms or other barriers, can help prevent herpes meningitis.

Simple Ways To Prevent Meningitis

Each year, thousands of people contract meningitis, especially young people. Meninges are the protective layer around the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi attack the meninges and cause inflammation of the nervous tissue. Some types of meningitis are contagious. You can get it from kissing, drinking, or eating after someone, and from living in close quarters with an infected person.

Meningitis can lead to hearing loss, brain damage, and even death. The most common symptoms are headache, stiff neck, and fever. Although meningitis sounds scary, you can protect yourself, and your loved ones with a few simple precautions. Make sure you've been vaccinated against meningitis. This vaccine is usually given to 12-year-olds with a booster at 16.

Other steps include common sense practices, like washing your hands after using the bathroom, or being in a crowd of people. Avoid sharing drinks or other personal items, like lipstick, silverware, or toothbrushes, staying away from people who are maybe infected. Boost your immune system with a healthy diet full of fruits and veggies, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise. And if you think you may have been exposed to meningitis, see a medical professional as soon as possible. ","publisher":"WebMD Video"} ]]>

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Each year, thousands of people contract meningitis, especially young people. Meninges are the protective layer around the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi attack the meninges and cause inflammation of the nervous tissue. Some types of meningitis are contagious. You can get it from kissing, drinking, or eating after someone, and from living in close quarters with an infected person.

Meningitis can lead to hearing loss, brain damage, and even death. The most common symptoms are headache, stiff neck, and fever. Although meningitis sounds scary, you can protect yourself, and your loved ones with a few simple precautions. Make sure you've been vaccinated against meningitis. This vaccine is usually given to 12-year-olds with a booster at 16.

Other steps include common sense practices, like washing your hands after using the bathroom, or being in a crowd of people. Avoid sharing drinks or other personal items, like lipstick, silverware, or toothbrushes, staying away from people who are maybe infected. Boost your immune system with a healthy diet full of fruits and veggies, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise. And if you think you may have been exposed to meningitis, see a medical professional as soon as possible.

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