12 signs of meningitis you should never ignore

Meningitis, an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The most common symptoms are fever, headache and neck stiffness. Other symptoms include confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises. Young children often exhibit only nonspecific symptoms, such as irritability, drowsiness, or poor
feeding. If a rash is present, it may indicate a particular cause of meningitis; for instance, meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria may be accompanied by a characteristic rash.

This inflammation of the protective membrane may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs. Meningitis can be life-threatening because of the inflammation's proximity to the brain and spinal cord; therefore, the condition is classified as a medical emergency. A lumbar puncture diagnoses or excludes meningitis. A needle is inserted into the spinal canal to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), that envelops the brain and spinal cord. The CSF is examined in a medical laboratory.

According to reports, the current outbreak of the Cerebro Spinal Meningitis has killed no fewer than 336 people across several states in Nigeria. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, there had been 2,997 suspected cases of the disease in 16 states as of April 3. Several states, mainly in northern part of the country have been affected by the disease.

As officials struggle to secure enough vaccines to prevent it and government takes measures, there is a need for the general public to have critical information about the disease and its symptoms. below are some of the symptoms you should know about..

1. Poor appetite

2. Skin rash (sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis)

3. Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest 

4. Sleepiness

5. Confusion, difficulty concentrating and disorientation

6. Severe, persistent headache that seems different than normal

7. Drowsiness or sluggishness 

8. Nausea and vomiting

9. More severe symptoms include seizure and coma

10. Sensitivity to bright light

11. In more advanced stage, bruises develop under the skin and spread quickly.

12. Fever 

The good news is that Some forms of meningitis are preventable by immunization with the meningococcal, mumps, pneumococcal, and Hib vaccines. Giving antibiotics to people with significant exposure to certain types of meningitis may also be useful. The first treatment in acute meningitis consists of promptly giving antibiotics and sometimes antiviral drugs. Corticosteroids can also be used to prevent complications from excessive inflammation. Meningitis can lead to serious long-term consequences such as deafness, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, or cognitive deficits, especially if not treated quickly.