Mindful Awareness Helps Save Lives

There is more than one cause of meningitis: Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It is said 5-10% of the population already has the main strand of "Neisseria meningitidis" bacteria lying dormant in their throat at any given time. While injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections or autoimmune disorders also may cause meningitis, the most common cause of meningococcal disease worldwide, includes five various strains of meningococcal bacteria—A, B, C, W, and Y. It was acknowledged in April 2020, that  Meningococcal sero-group A is extremely rare in the United States. 

Most of the meningococcal cases that occur in the US are not linked to outbreaks. But when outbreaks do occur, they are usually in dense populations, such as nursing homes, military barracks, prisons, and college campuses.

Even one meningitis case on a college campus can instigate concerns and requires a public health response, due to its ability to cause death, or permanent disability, so quickly. College and local public health officials investigate every case, identify close contacts, and administer preventive antibiotics. With each new case, this work load increases, and often with it, campus anxiety.

As the body transports this type of bacteria, known as "Neisseria meningitidis" which is said to only infect humans, it initiates higher vulnerability for attacks in more areas from the throat to the brain; ultimately, overwhelming the body's defense system. 

The incubation period for the bacterias responsible for manifesting into meningitis varies between 2-10 days. Often, it is transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers. Close and prolonged contact – such as kissing, sneezing, coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with an infected person, facilitates the initiation and spread of the disease.

Viral Meningitis is just one of the known strands of meningitis; however, one study estimated the fatality rate from viral meningitis caused by enteroviruses at less than 1 percent survival rate. 

Sometimes meningitis is caused by the West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, to which there is an estimated 4 to 13 percent death rate for these cases. 

Likelihood of death is higher in people who are older, immuno-compromised, or predisposition to having diabetes.

If you have reason to think a loved one or yourself are experiencing or showing signs and symptoms of a meningitis onset attack, the best thing you could do is call 911, rush them to the emergency room, and call their physician immediately. 

The next suggested best action while experiencing an attack, if possible, is to receive meningitis vaccination to provide the individual's body the proper (added) support their body is not producing on it's own, which they need, to fight for their well-being, and most importantly, their life in those crucial moments. Typically, administered by a physician or healthcare facility. Bacterial antibiotics are also considered as a known part of the healing process.

Each person suffering from these gruesome attacks, responds differently to various treatment plans, but healthcare providers are prepared to assist, guide, and support patients and their loved ones through alternative measures when needed. It is important to be aware, that the longer someone goes without treatment, the greater their risk of potential death, from infections in their blood or other permanently severe complications within the body's defense system. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year. 

Finding the support you need, is crucial both for the individuals suffering from these gruesome attacks, as well as their caregivers and loved ones. It can be helpful to ask your provider if there are any social support groups which may provide a safe place for others who are also living with the same expectations, to create an support system in which you can lean into when times are challenging, and to learn more along the path. 

Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease. CDC recommends meningococcal vaccines for preteens, teens, and those with certain medical conditions, as well as those at risk based on travel plans and/or jobs. It is important to note there are no guarantees of any outcomes at any given time. It is best to talk with your healthcare professional to make sure that your family is protected against this deadly disease.