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HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of
clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.
Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DISEASE TRANSMITTED?
The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing or
sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in
contact with respiratory or throat secretions.
HOW DO YOU INCREASE YOUR RISK
OF CONTRACTING BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?
There is an added risk to contracting bacterial meningitis through the following
factors:
•
Being exposed to saliva through kissing or sharing cigarettes, water
bottles, eating utensils, food, etc.
•
Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or
group home).
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?
•
Death (in eight to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
•
Permanent brain damage
•
Kidney failure
•
Learning disability
•
Hearing loss, blindness
•
Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) requiring amputation
•
Gangrene
•
Coma
•
Convulsions
CAN BACTERIAL MENINGITIS BE TREATED?
Antibiotic treatment, if received early, increases the chances of recovery. However,
permanent disability or death can still occur.
Vaccinations are available and should be considered for those living in close
quarters and college students 25 years old or younger.
