Meningitis - Things You Should Know!

Group B Strep is one of the meningitis causing bacteria that exist in the body and are usually harmless. But infants can get sick because of the presence of these bacteria owing to their weak immune systems. Meningitis can often occur in newborns from the intake of undercooked meats or unpasteurized dairy products. Babies suffering from meningitis show all the above signs and symptoms.

Meningitis is an infection where the tender membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord, called meninges, get damaged. Bacterial Meningitis, Viral Meningitis and Fungal Meningitis are three different types of Meningitis. Among these, Bacterial Meningitis is the most severe form. Meningitis may occur when bacteria from an infected area, like the ears, sinuses or the throat travel to the brain through the bloodstream. Meningitis also occurs when bacteria affect the meninges following a critical head injury. A person suffering from bacterial meningitis is likely to spread the disease by coughing or sneezing.

These bacteria cause meningitis in people with weak immune systems, such as old people, babies, pregnant women and often people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, cirrhosis of liver or other ailments that cause the immune systems to dwindle. These bacteria can be found in hot dogs, unpasteurized cheeses (cheeses made of unsterilized raw milk) and deli meats like sausages, salamis, hams, corned beef etc.

The bacteria responsible for meningitis cause the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord to swell up resulting into a stiff neck or a bad headache.