Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges.

Most cases are caused by bacteria or viruses, but some can be due to certain medications or illnesses. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection. It can block blood vessels in the brain and lead to stroke and brain damage. It can also harm other organs.

Etiology
Acute bacterial meningitis usually occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and migrate to the brain and spinal cord. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges, as a result of an ear or sinus infection or a skull fracture. A number of strains of bacteria can cause acute bacterial meningitis. The most common include: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus) Listeria monocytogenes (listeria)

Risk Factors
Age Living in a community setting Pregnancy Working with animals. Compromised immune system

Signs and symptoms:

Severe headache Followed by nuchal rigidity Sudden high fever Photophobia (intolerance to bright light) Phonophobia (intolerance to loud noises) Bulge fontanelles (6months and up) Positive Kernig's sign or Brudziski sign Altered mental state

Incidence
Although meningitis is a notifiable disease in many countries, the exact incidence rate is unknown.[10] Bacterial meningitis occurs in about 3 people per 100,000 annually in Western countries. Worldwide, bacterial resistance to penicillin and other antibiotics and the lack of access to vaccines accounts for rising rates of bacterial meningitis.

Philippine Data for Meningitis is the 8th leading cause of death in 0-4 yrs old. Most common cause is H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae for children less than 1 yr old Gram negative bacilli. Group B streptococcus is an infrequent cause of meningitis and Listeria monocytogenes has not been isolated in CSF cultures.