Bacterial meningitis

Background Information

In recent years, Ohio has reported about 140 cases of meningococcal disease. This is the most serious form of meningitis (bacterial) and can result in disability or death if not treated in a timely manner. While bacterial meningitis can occur at any time, most cases occur during late winter and early spring.

WHO gets bacterial meningitis?
Anyone can become ill with bacterial meningitis, although it is believed most people get exposed to the bacteria which causes this illness at some point in their lives and the overwhelming majority shed the bacteria with little or no symptoms.

WHAT causes bacterial meningitis?
It is unknown why some people become ill while others exposed to this bacteria are unaffected. It may have to do with the amount of bacteria in their systems, how strong their immune systems are, or a combination of both. The bacteria which causes this disease is found in human beings and spreads through very close contact with respiratory and throat secretions from an infected person. None of the bacteria which cause meningitis are as contagious as the common cold or flu, and are NOT spread by casual contact, or by simply breathing the air where someone with meningitis has been.

WHEN do most cases of bacterial meningitis occur?
The "season" for bacterial meningitis is late winter and early spring, although cases can occur at any time during the year.

HOW does bacterial meningitis make people ill?
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis include high fever, headache, and stiff neck for anyone over 2 years of age. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take up to two days. Other symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion and sleepiness. For infants and newborns, symptoms may include inactivity, irritability, vomiting or poor feeding. Seizures may occur at any age, as the disease progresses.

Last Updated: 05/29/2001