Are you afraid of meningitis? Let's learn exactly about bacterial meningitis!

What would you think if you suddenly had a severe headache and a high fever? Or if you saw your little baby crying non-stop, not drinking milk, and looking very lifeless with a fever? One of the biggest fears that comes to our minds at times like these is "brain fever." Today we are talking about Bacterial Meningitis, a serious condition that everyone fears, but can be life-saving if you are properly informed.

Simply put, what is meningitis?

Think of our brain and spinal cord as precious objects. To protect these precious things, nature has provided a covering made of three thin layers of membranes. In medicine, we call this covering the meninges. So, when a germ, especially a bacterium, enters this covering, causes an infection there, and starts to swell, we call it Bacterial Meningitis .

What is the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?

When we say "meningitis," we are mainly talking about two types. These are viral and bacterial meningitis. Although both involve inflammation of the brain's covering, there is a big difference between the two.

Viral meningitis is the most common type. However, it is usually not as severe as the bacterial type. Most of the time, it resolves without any special treatment. However, bacterial meningitis is a serious condition that requires hospitalization and immediate treatment.

The most important thing to know - what are the symptoms?

The most dangerous thing about this disease is that symptoms can appear very quickly, sometimes within 24 hours of the germ entering the body. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of these symptoms.

Symptoms in older children and adults

• Sudden high fever.
• An unbearable headache.
• Stiff neck: This is a very specific symptom. The neck becomes stiff , making it impossible for you to rest your chin on your chest.
• Difficulty looking at light: Sensitivity to light (Photophobia). The eyes feel as if they are turning blue when they see a light.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Confusion: A feeling of being confused, with speech sounding like a jumble of words.
• Drowsiness and irritability.
• In some severe cases , seizures and stroke can occur.

Symptoms in infants and young children

Young babies can't say "I have a headache." So their symptoms are a little different. As parents, you need to be very careful about this.

How does this disease develop? What bacteria is the cause?

Although there are about 50 types of bacteria that can cause this disease, there are a few types that are most commonly seen.

• Group B *Streptococcus*
• *Streptococcus pneumoniae* (pneumococcal)
• *Neisseria meningitidis* (meningococcal)
• *Haemophilus influenzae*
• *Listeria monocytogenes*
• *Escherichia coli* (E. coli)

The amazing thing is that many of these bacteria can live in our environment, including our nose and throat, without causing any harm. The person who has them may not get sick, but they can pass the bacteria on to someone else.

This bacteria is usually spread through close contact with an infected person. The disease can easily be spread to others through respiratory secretions that are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or kisses .

Who is at greater risk?

Children between the ages of one month and two years are most at risk of developing the disease. In addition, adults with certain risk factors can also develop the condition.

• People addicted to drugs or alcohol
• People who have frequent ear or nose infections (chronic infections)
• People with severe head injuries
• People with pneumonia (*Pneumococcal pneumonia*)
• People with weakened immune systems (e.g. HIV, cancer patients)
• People who have had their spleen surgically removed
• People with sickle cell disease
• People who have undergone brain or spinal cord surgery

Not only these people, but also places where many people live in close proximity, such as university dormitories and military camps, are at greater risk of spreading this disease.

How is the disease diagnosed and treated?

When you go to the hospital with the symptoms mentioned above, the doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. Then, they will run several tests to confirm the diagnosis.

• Lumbar Puncture: This is the most important test. This involves inserting a small needle into your lower back and taking a small sample of the fluid around your spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid - CSF). This is a bit uncomfortable, but it is essential for diagnosis. This fluid can be tested to see if there is any bacteria present and what type it is.
• Blood and urine tests: These can also provide information about the infection.

Treatment includes IV antibiotics. Corticosteroids are also given to reduce swelling in the meninges. Based on the test results, the antibiotic most appropriate for the bacteria causing the infection is chosen and treatment is continued.

Are there ways to prevent this disease?

Yes, the good news is that we have vaccines to protect against several of the main types of bacteria that cause this dangerous disease.

• Meningococcal vaccine: Protect yourself from *N. meningitidis* bacteria.
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Protect against *S. pneumoniae* bacteria.
• *Haemophilus influenzae* type b (Hib) vaccine: Protect yourself from *H. influenzae* bacteria.

These vaccines are also included in our country's national vaccination program. Check with your family doctor or local family health officer to see if your child has received these vaccines on time.

Things you can do besides vaccinations

• For pregnant mothers: It is important to get tested for Group B Streptococcus at around 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy. If you have the infection, your doctor will give you antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to your baby during delivery.
• Avoid smoking.
• Sleep well and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow.