A spike in cases of meningococcal disease across Florida has prompted state health officials to urge residents — especially college students and people living with HIV — to become familiar with the symptoms and take simple precautions. to prevent contracting or spreading the disease. The Florida Department of Health reports that the number of meningitis cases in the state so far this year has exceeded the five-year average.
Meningococcal disease is rare but can be deadly, according to José Vázquez, MD, chief of primary care for Baptist Health Medical Group. “The two most common types of meningococcal disease are meningitis, which is an infection of the meninges, or the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, and septicemia, or sepsis, which is an infection of the bloodstream,” he explains. Dr. Vazquez. “Sepsis can very quickly cause tissue damage, organ failure and death.”
Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, says Dr. Vazquez. It is caused by viral pathogens such as enteroviruses, mumps, measles or influenza. “It can even be transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks,” he adds. Viral meningitis is usually much less serious than bacterial meningitis, which he says is caused by bacterial pathogens such as strep pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza and Neisseria meningitidis.
Fortunately, according to Dr. Vázquez, these bacteria are not as contagious as the germs that cause the common cold or the flu, and people do not get it from casual contact or from breathing the air where someone with meningococcal disease has been. “Transmission usually occurs through saliva and direct contact over a period of time or through direct contact, such as kissing or sharing drinks,” he explains.
Enteroviruses, which are spread through the feces of an infected person, are the most common cause of viral meningitis, according to Dr. Vázquez. “This can be seen in young children who are not yet potty trained, or even in adults who frequently change diapers of infected babies,” he says.
Although people who are in close contact with someone who has viral meningitis can become infected with the virus that has made that person sick, they are unlikely to get meningitis, according to Dr. Vázquez. “Only a small number of people who get infected with the viruses that cause meningitis actually develop viral meningitis,” he says.
Early diagnosis is key to avoiding long-term health problems
Without treatment, most cases of simple viral meningitis get better on their own within seven to 10 days, according to Dr. Vazquez, but it’s important to make a diagnosis as soon as symptoms appear. “Some cases of viral meningitis – especially those caused by the herpes virus – must be treated with antiviral medications to prevent permanent neurological damage,” he says. “And bacterial meningitis should be treated aggressively with antibiotics, as it can lead to serious long-term complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, and even death.”
College students are at higher risk of contracting meningitis
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the main outbreak this year in Florida has been among gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men. Although the current outbreak is mostly limited to people who live in the state, it has also affected some people who have traveled to Florida, according to the CDC.
Other minor outbreaks of meningitis have been reported throughout the state in recent months. Among them are several cases among college students, who often live in close proximity in college dorms and share drinks and other things. Although they are not related to the larger outbreak, the CDC says they are still of concern.
Meningitis symptoms to watch out for
The initial symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those of bacterial meningitis, according to Dr. Vázquez. “Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, vision changes, confusion, and sometimes a rash,” he says. Bacterial meningitis, however, has a more sudden onset. “The symptoms can appear quickly, literally from one hour to another, and it is a more severe disease,” says Dr. Vázquez.
The diagnosis of meningitis is confirmed by analyzing laboratory samples collected from the patient. Occasionally, some people may not have symptoms at first. Some children, for example, may be asymptomatic but carry the organism in their nose or throat, according to Dr. Vazquez, who says that if he thinks you or your child may have meningitis, you should see a doctor right away. “A doctor can determine if he has the disease, what causes it, and what the best treatment is,” he says.
Treatment depends on the type of meningitis
Ladan Pourmasiha, DO, is a Baptist Health doctor of family medicine and director of urgent care centers for the health system in Broward County. She says that despite its severity, viral meningitis is rarely fatal in people with normal immune systems. Babies younger than a month and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe case of the disease, she says.
Although there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, it usually resolves on its own within two weeks and symptoms can be easily controlled, says Dr. Pourmasiha. “Antibiotics are useless against a virus, so once the diagnosis is made, the only thing we can do as doctors is recommend bed rest, plenty of fluids, and medication to relieve fever and headache.” Viral meningitis symptoms typically last a week or two, she says, and most patients make a full recovery.
Although antibiotics can’t fight viruses, they do fight bacteria and are very important in treating bacterial meningitis, says Dr. Pourmasiha. “Bacterial meningitis can not only be extremely serious, but can lead to disability or death if not treated early,” she says. “The sooner treatment is started, the better the chance of survival.”
Take These Steps to Avoid Meningitis
Although no measure is 100% effective in preventing viral meningitis, Dr. Pourmasiha says that certain habits and practices that we can easily incorporate into our daily lives – or that we have already adopted thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic – can help. reduce our risk of contracting the disease.
“This includes washing hands, avoiding close contact with sick people, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, as well as staying home when sick to avoid any transmission,” says Dr. Pourmasiha. “However, the best way to prevent viral meningitis is to get vaccinated.”
The Florida Department of Health recommends the MenACWY vaccine for people in high-risk populations, such as college students, people living with HIV or other immunodeficiencies, and anyone in a high-risk group whose last vaccination against the meningitis was more than five years ago. Immunizations can be found by contacting your doctor, county health department, or pharmacy.
Dr. Vazquez, of Baptist Health Medical Group, says other ways to prevent viral meningitis are by doing some of the same things we’ve become accustomed to with the coronavirus pandemic in the past two years.
“Avoid contact with anyone who has been exposed to or is known to have meningitis, and wear a face mask, if possible,” advises Dr. Vázquez. “Also, try to avoid gatherings. This is a disease that commonly occurs in college dorms, because people are in close proximity to each other. “And, he adds, use common sense. “Don’t share drinks, don’t share toothpaste or brushes, and avoid very close contact.”