Meningitis

What is Meningitis?What is Meningitis?

• Inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord

• Organisms such as bacteria or viruses can infect the layers (meninges)

Causes of MeningitisCauses of Meningitis

• Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

• Viral meningitis less severe and is resolve without treatment

• Bacterial meningitis is severe and may result in:– Brain damage– Hearing loss– Learning disability

– Death

AnthraxAnthrax

Where did this disease come from?

Where did this disease come from?

• Was first known as “Man disease”• Recognize in the 19TH Century• Small outbreaks in Paris and Geneva• In the US there was a wide spread epidemic

Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• Meningitis and the flu have similar symptoms

Symptom Rash

Diagnosing MeningitisDiagnosing Meningitis

• Spinal tap is performed

• needle is inserted into an area in the lower back

• Identification of the type of bacteria

• is important for selection of correct antibiotics.

Is meningitis contagious?

Is meningitis contagious?

• Yes, some forms of viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious.

• Is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions for example, coughing and kissing.

• Sharing drinks or cigarettes

Who is at risk?Who is at risk?

• Infants, young children and the elderly

• college freshmen who live in dormitories

• People in the same household or day-care center

• Military

Treatment for viral meningitis

Treatment for viral meningitis

Viral meningitisNo specific treatmentPatients recover completely on their ownBed rest is recommended, fluids, and medicine to relive fever and headache

Treatment for bacterial meningitis

cont..

Treatment for bacterial meningitis

cont..

Fatal if not treated in time

Pt. must be hospitalized

Be given a numerous of antibiotics

Ampicillin, cefotaxime,or corticosteroids

Overall, if depends what kind of bacteria a PT. has.

Human Cadaver Human Cadaver

Amputation Amputation

PreventionPrevention

Vaccines– HIB haemophilus

influenza • Infants and children

– Pneumoccal Vaccine• Elderly

– Neisseria meningitidis & Streptococcus Pneumoniae• Recommended for college students living in dormitories

Cost of VaccinesCost of Vaccines

The cost of vaccinesare costly but are worth it.

•Range is from $64.00 – $75.00

MeningitisPresentation by:

• Joey Aguirre

• Liz Marquez

• Cindy Martinez

• Lorraine Gomez