PERTUSSIS AND MENINGITIS

• Meningitis - is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.  Most cases are caused by bacteria or viruses, but some can be due to certain medications or illnesses.
• Meningitis- A bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF is the fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spinal cord).
• Viruses that can cause meningitis include-  polioviruses,  the mumps virus (paramyxovirus),  the flu virus, and  West Nile virus.
• Bacteria that can cause meningitis include -  group B streptococcus,  E. coli,  Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib),  and a strep bacteria that causes pneumonia.
• meningitis - may start several days after your child has had a cold and runny nose, or diarrhea and vomiting.  can occur a bit differently in each child  may appear suddenly  may develop over several days.
• In babies with meningitis -  Irritability  Fever  Sleeping more than usual  Poor feeding  Crying that can’t be soothed  High-pitched cry  Arching back  Bulging soft spots on the head (fontanelles)  Changed temperament  Purple-red splotchy rash  Seizures  Vomiting
• In children age 1 or older, symptoms of meningitis may include:  Neck pain  Back pain  Headache  Sleepiness  Confusion  Irritability  Fever  Refusing to eat  Reduced level of consciousness  Seizures  Eyes sensitive to light (photophobia)  Nausea and vomiting  Neck stiffness  A purple-red splotchy rash
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)- This is the only test that diagnoses meningitis. A needleisplaced into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain is measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is removed and sent for testing to see if there is an infection or other problems.
• Bacterial meningitis- Treatment is started as quickly as possible.  IV (intravenous) antibiotics  Corticosteroid
• Bacterial meningitis - Corticosteroid - by decreasing the swelling (inflammation) and reducing pressure that canbuild up in the brain. - reduce the risk for hearing loss and brain damage
• Viral meningitis.- treatment may be done to help ease symptoms. - herpes simplex virus, which is treated with IV antiviral medicine. - Babies and children with a weakened immune system may need to stay inthehospital.
• Fungal meningitis. Your child may get IV antifungal medicine.
• Tuberculous (TB) meningitis- Your child will be treated with a course of medicines over1 year. Treatment is done with several medicines for the first few months. This is followed by other medicines for the remaining time