Meningococcal Infections—Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Usually the cause is a viral infection, but bacteria can also cause it. It can be mild or severe. Most cases are mild. You may have flu-like symptoms. With a mild case, you may just need rest, plenty of fluids, and a pain reliever.

Severe cases need immediate treatment. Symptoms of severe cases include

• Severe headache
• Sudden fever
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Seizures

In babies, additional symptoms may include constant crying, poor feeding, body stiffness, and bulging in the soft spots of the skull.

Severe cases may require a stay in the hospital. Treatments include oral and intravenous (IV) medicines to reduce inflammation and treat infection. Patients with breathing difficulties may need artificial respiration. Some people may need physical, speech, and occupational therapy once the illness is under control.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

• Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) collection (Medical Encyclopedia)
• CSF analysis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Encephalitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine: What You Need to Know (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – PDF
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (Medical Encyclopedia)

Meningococci are a type of bacteria that cause serious infections. The most common infection is meningitis, which is an inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningococci can also cause other problems, including a serious bloodstream infection called sepsis.

Meningococcal infections can spread from person to person. Risk factors include

• Age – it is more common in infants, teens, and young adults
• Living in close quarters, such as in college dorms or military settings
• Certain medical conditions, such as not having a spleen
• Travel to areas where meningococcal disease is common

In its early stages, you may have flu-like symptoms and a stiff neck. But the disease can progress quickly and can be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important. Lab tests on your blood and cerebrospinal fluid can tell if you have it. Treatment is with antibiotics. Since the infection spreads from person to person, family members may also need to be treated.

A vaccine can prevent meningococcal infections.

• Meningococcemia (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (Medical Encyclopedia)