![Jul 6, 2023 · Meningitis during the neonatal period is a potentially devastating condition with dire long-term consequences. Despite advances in preventive and critical care medicine, bacterial meningitis continues to have an adverse outcome rate of 20 to 60% among its survivors.[1] Although the incidence and mortality have declined over the past few decades, it remains challenging to diagnose due to ... . Loser synonym](/img/512x512/1630994659058.webp)
Older children and adolescents have a stiff neck with a fever, headache, and confusion, and newborns and young infants are usually irritable, stop eating, vomit, or have other symptoms. The diagnosis is based on the results of a spinal tap and blood and urine tests. Some children die of meningitis even after receiving appropriate treatment.Aug 17, 2021 · Abstract. Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in infants. Rates of GBS early onset disease have declined following the widcespread use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; hence, late-onset infections (LOGBS) are currently a common presentation of neonatal GBS dicsease. Causes Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include Streptococcus pneumoniae Group B Streptococcus Neisseria meningitidis Haemophilus influenzae Listeria monocytogenes Escherichia coliAlmost half of neonatal sepsis survivors return to the hospital at least once after recovery. Some babies develop an infection of the membranes surrounding their brain called meningitis. Newborns who have this condition may develop serious symptoms and side effects, including: Extreme sluggishness (lethargy).In many cases, they are harmless. Bacterial meningitis occurs when these bacteria get in your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord to start an infection. Most bacteria that cause ...Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include: a high temperature. cold hands and feet. vomiting. confusion. breathing quickly. muscle and joint pain. pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)Older children and adolescents have a stiff neck with a fever, headache, and confusion, and newborns and young infants are usually irritable, stop eating, vomit, or have other symptoms. The diagnosis is based on the results of a spinal tap and blood and urine tests. Some children die of meningitis even after receiving appropriate treatment.Severe viral meningitis may also be treated in hospital. Treatments include: antibiotics given directly into a vein. fluids given directly into a vein to prevent dehydration. oxygen through a face mask if there are any breathing difficulties. steroid medication to help reduce any swelling around the brain, in some cases. People with meningitis ... In many cases, they are harmless. Bacterial meningitis occurs when these bacteria get in your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord to start an infection. Most bacteria that cause ...Bacterial meningitis is a devastating infection associated with high mortality and morbidity in the neonatal population. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieving good outcomes in affected infants. While overall incidence and mortality have declined over the last several decades, morbidity associated with neonatal meningitis ... Meningitis vaccine schedule for babies or children . The CDC recommends that children receive their first MenACWY vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12. The MenACWY vaccine is a single dose ...Apr 18, 2020 · The baby was born with Apgar scores of 6 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. Her birth weight was 2.8 kg with a head circumference of 43.5 cm (>99th percentile). Her exam was notable for macrocephaly with bulging fontanelles, large bilateral cleft lip/palate, nasal encephalocele, and bilateral microphthalmia. Among adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are: Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate. Memory loss. Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills. Difficulty walking, often described as a shuffling gait or the feeling of the feet being stuck. Meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. There are several different groups of meningococcal bacteria including groups A, B, C, Y and W (previously called W135). These groups of bacteria can be further divided into specific strains. Most cases in New Zealand are caused by group B.Younger kids will need a vaccine if they're at a greater risk of getting meningitis because they: Have complement component deficiency, a rare immune system disease. Have spleen damage or had ...In babies and toddlers, these additional symptoms may occur: swelling in the fontanelle; ... People of any age can get meningitis B. Over half of all cases occur in teenagers and young adults.Newborn babies are immune to some diseases because they have antibodies they get from their mothers, usually before they are born. However, this immunity lasts a few months. Most babies do not get protective antibodies against diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, tetanus, hepatitis B, or Hib from their mothers.purple-red skin rash or bruising. pale or blotchy skin. seizures (fits) The most common symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults are: fever. sensitivity to light. very bad headache and stiff or sore neck. nausea or vomiting and loss of appetite. tiredness and drowsiness. Meningitis in children. Meningitis becomes more common in children as they grow older and reach high school and college ages. Symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis in children are similar to ...Stiff neck. Other symptoms that can occur with this disease: Agitation. Bulging fontanelles in babies. Decreased alertness. Poor feeding or irritability in children. Rapid breathing. Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backward (opisthotonos) You cannot tell if you have bacterial or viral meningitis by how you feel.Early symptoms will be similar to the flu, and they can develop over a matter of hours or even days. Symptoms include: sudden high fever. stiff neck. severe headache. nausea or vomiting. confusion ...get plenty of rest; take painkillers for a headache or general aches; take anti-sickness medicine for any nausea or vomiting; If you feel unable to manage your symptoms at home or you feel worse, get further medical help. Preventing the spread of infection. The risk of someone with meningitis spreading the infection to others is generally low.Sep 27, 2022 · Protects your child from Hib disease, which can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Protects your child from the most common type of Hib disease, meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Keeps your child from missing school or child care, and you from missing work. Signs and symptoms of meningitis include: fever. a severe headache. nausea. stiff neck. sensitivity to light. Meningitis often occurs due to pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and so ...We’re happy to have these conversations for you – it’s our job to make sure you and your baby are safe under our care. When possible, avoid taking your baby to crowded public places for a few months after birth. Herpes infection from incidental touching of strangers or development of other infections from respiratory germs might occur.Abstract. Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in infants. Rates of GBS early onset disease have declined following the widcespread use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; hence, late-onset infections (LOGBS) are currently a common presentation of neonatal GBS dicsease.Oct 13, 2021 · Herpes meningitis is a type of viral meningitis resulting from infection with a herpes virus. Three types of herpes virus can cause HM: herpes simplex virus 1, herpes simplex virus 2, and ... Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. Inflammation can begin suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (subacute). Major symptoms may include fever, headache, and a stiff neck, sometimes with aching muscles. Nausea, vomiting and other symptoms may occur. View Full Report.Oct 19, 2021 · sensitivity to light. confusion. seizures, or fits. Although fever is one of the most telling signs of meningitis, it is often absent in babies younger than 3 months old. Babies and toddlers may ... Mar 1, 2023 · Enteroviruses can be spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs droplets into the air or on surfaces. A child may then breathe in droplets or touch a contaminated surface and touch their eyes, mouth, or nose. The viruses are treated with supportive care, such as fever or pain medicine, rest, and fluids. Signs and symptoms in people over the age of 2 may include: High fever that comes on suddenly. Stiff neck. Severe headache that seems unusual. Headache with nausea or vomiting. Confusion or ...Aug 17, 2021 · Abstract. Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in infants. Rates of GBS early onset disease have declined following the widcespread use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; hence, late-onset infections (LOGBS) are currently a common presentation of neonatal GBS dicsease. We’re happy to have these conversations for you – it’s our job to make sure you and your baby are safe under our care. When possible, avoid taking your baby to crowded public places for a few months after birth. Herpes infection from incidental touching of strangers or development of other infections from respiratory germs might occur.The baby was born with Apgar scores of 6 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. Her birth weight was 2.8 kg with a head circumference of 43.5 cm (>99th percentile). Her exam was notable for macrocephaly with bulging fontanelles, large bilateral cleft lip/palate, nasal encephalocele, and bilateral microphthalmia.Viral meningitis is an infection of the membranes (linings) that cover the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms and infectious periods vary depending on the virus responsible. Most people recover from viral meningitis. This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care.Encephalitis also may cause changes in sight or hearing. Most people with infectious encephalitis have flu-like symptoms, such as: Headache. Fever. Aches in muscles or joints. Fatigue or weakness. Typically, these are followed by more-severe symptoms over a period of hours to days, such as: Stiff neck.Viral meningitis is caused by viruses found in saliva, blood, nose drainage, and bowel movements. The virus is spread from an infected person to another through coughing, kissing, or sharing food or drinks. Your child may also get a type of viral meningitis if he or she is bitten by a mosquito that carries the West Nile virus.Bacterial meningitis is a devastating infection associated with high mortality and morbidity in the neonatal population. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieving good outcomes in affected infants. While overall incidence and mortality have declined over the last several decades, morbidity associated with neonatal meningitis ... Side effects linked to the vaccines are usually mild and tend to go away within a few days. Herd immunity is unlikely to prevent meningitis, so it is essential that people get vaccinated and have ...Protecting newborns Seeing a doctor Meningitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the meninges, which protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is most often caused by a virus or...Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it’s not usually life-threatening. The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces ...Summary. Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis. You get it when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly.Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (meh-NIN-jeez), the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Some types of meningitis (meh-nen-JYE-tis) can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Routine vaccinations can help prevent it. Quick treatment of meningitis usually is successful. So it's important to know what symptoms it can ... To help comfort your baby, you can: give them a cuddle; offer them extra cool drinks (if you're breastfeeding, your child may feed more often) take them for a walk in the fresh air; If the injection site is red, swollen or tender, put a clean cold cloth to the area for about 5 to 10 minutes – this may help to soothe your baby. After the MMR ...Aug 4, 2022 · Some 4% to 6% of babies with GBS disease, including meningitis, will die from their infections. Those who recover may deal with complications like: brain damage; hearing loss; Enteroviruses can be spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs droplets into the air or on surfaces. A child may then breathe in droplets or touch a contaminated surface and touch their eyes, mouth, or nose. The viruses are treated with supportive care, such as fever or pain medicine, rest, and fluids.Encephalitis also may cause changes in sight or hearing. Most people with infectious encephalitis have flu-like symptoms, such as: Headache. Fever. Aches in muscles or joints. Fatigue or weakness. Typically, these are followed by more-severe symptoms over a period of hours to days, such as: Stiff neck.Among adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are: Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate. Memory loss. Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills. Difficulty walking, often described as a shuffling gait or the feeling of the feet being stuck. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord). Meningitis is caused by either a bacterial infection or a viral infection. Bacterial meningitis can get worse very quickly. If your child is showing signs of meningitis, seek immediate medical attention. Most people recover from meningitis, although ...Pregnant women who are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease may get MenACWY vaccines. Pregnant or breastfeeding women who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease may get MenB vaccines. However, they should talk with a doctor to decide if the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks ...Apr 28, 2021 · Side effects linked to the vaccines are usually mild and tend to go away within a few days. Herd immunity is unlikely to prevent meningitis, so it is essential that people get vaccinated and have ... Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord). Meningitis is caused by either a bacterial infection or a viral infection. Bacterial meningitis can get worse very quickly. If your child is showing signs of meningitis, seek immediate medical attention. Most people recover from meningitis, although ... Encephalitis also may cause changes in sight or hearing. Most people with infectious encephalitis have flu-like symptoms, such as: Headache. Fever. Aches in muscles or joints. Fatigue or weakness. Typically, these are followed by more-severe symptoms over a period of hours to days, such as: Stiff neck.Protects your child from Hib disease, which can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Protects your child from the most common type of Hib disease, meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Keeps your child from missing school or child care, and you from missing work.Herpes meningoencephalitis is an infection of the brain and brain covering (meninges) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizures, and changes in mood, personality, or ...Sep 24, 2018 · Causes of meningitis in babies Viral meningitis. Viral meningitis usually isn’t as serious as bacterial or fungal meningitis, but some viruses do cause... Bacterial meningitis. Group B Streptococcus. This usually spreads from a mother to her baby at birth. Gram-negative... Fungal meningitis. Fungal ... The MenB vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for about 9 in every 10 meningococcal infections in young children. Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and sepsis. This can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and, sometimes, death. Children can develop meningitis from close contact with a person who has the infection or through surfaces and inanimate objects infected with the germ that causes meningitis. A simple cold or...Here we offer helpful, doctor-approved info about fever, coughs, colds, flu, rashes, allergies, and many other health concerns. Explore our guides to doctor visits, vaccines, and medication, get advice on teething and dental care, and learn how to keep your child safe at home and beyond. Photo credit: iStock.com / FatCamera.Specific Immunization Reactions. Pain or swelling at the shot site for 1 to 2 days. (20% of children) Mild fever lasting 1 to 3 days begins 14 to 28 days after the shot (10%). Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever over 102° F (39°C). Never give aspirin for fever, pain or within 6 weeks of getting the shot.get plenty of rest; take painkillers for a headache or general aches; take anti-sickness medicine for any nausea or vomiting; If you feel unable to manage your symptoms at home or you feel worse, get further medical help. Preventing the spread of infection. The risk of someone with meningitis spreading the infection to others is generally low.What causes meningitis in a child? Meningitis is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spinal cord. A fungus or parasite may also cause meningitis. This is more common only in children with a weak immune system.Spinal meningitis is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord due to an infection. Types of meningitis include viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, amoebic, and noninfectious. Symptoms typically include headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Treatment depends on the type of meningitis but can include antibiotics, pain relievers, or hospitalization.The most common causes of bacterial meningitis among babies younger than 2 months of age are group B Streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli .Sep 27, 2022 · Protects your child from Hib disease, which can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Protects your child from the most common type of Hib disease, meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Keeps your child from missing school or child care, and you from missing work. Apr 27, 2023 · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age. Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States, 2023. Print. Please see the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and new or updated recommendations for RSV , Influenza, pneumococcal, polio, and Mpox vaccines. These have been adopted by the CDC Director and are official. GBS meningitis typically affects newborns but can affect adults too. We provide a complete overview, including causes, symptoms, and treatment. ... Some 4% to 6% of babies with GBS disease ...Jan 27, 2023 · Seizures. Sleepiness or trouble waking. Sensitivity to light. No appetite or thirst. Skin rash in some cases, such as in meningococcal meningitis. Signs in newborns Newborns and infants may show these signs: High fever. Infants with meningitis can have a variety of symptoms, including: a fever. shivering. a stiff neck. arching of the back. cold hands and feet. turning away from light. excessive irritability, such ...Having convulsions (seizure) Babies who get group B strep a week or so after birth may have signs such as: Decreased movement of an arm or leg. Pain with movement of an arm or leg. Breathing problems. Fever. Red area on the face or other part of the body. Pregnant women may have group B strep without symptoms. Meningitis is when the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord become inflamed and swollen. This usually happens because the membranes, called the meninges, have become infected from bacteria or a virus. The inflammation can then cause damage to the brain or nerves. Jan 27, 2023 · Seizures. Sleepiness or trouble waking. Sensitivity to light. No appetite or thirst. Skin rash in some cases, such as in meningococcal meningitis. Signs in newborns Newborns and infants may show these signs: High fever. Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning ( sepsis) and result in permanent damage ...Change in behavior – crying more than usual, irritable, more sleepy, confused. Hearing loss. Severe headaches. Bulging soft spot on their head – babies only. If you suspect your child’s bacterial meningitis is coming back or they are getting sicker, take them to the closest hospital emergency department or call 911. Younger kids will need a vaccine if they're at a greater risk of getting meningitis because they: Have complement component deficiency, a rare immune system disease. Have spleen damage or had ...Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent ...Herpes meningoencephalitis is an infection of the brain and brain covering (meninges) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizures, and changes in mood, personality, or ... Having convulsions (seizure) Babies who get group B strep a week or so after birth may have signs such as: Decreased movement of an arm or leg. Pain with movement of an arm or leg. Breathing problems. Fever. Red area on the face or other part of the body. Pregnant women may have group B strep without symptoms.Meningitis In Babies. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which is the tissue that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It’s most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections. Meningitis is a serious condition that, left untreated, can be fatal in a short period of time and can cause life-altering complications in ...Babies who get group B strep a week or so after birth may have signs such as: Decreased movement of an arm or leg. Pain with movement of an arm or leg. Breathing problems. Fever. Red area on the face or other part of the body. Pregnant women may have group B strep without symptoms. When they have symptoms, these may include: Having to urinate ...Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it’s not usually life-threatening. The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces ...Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning ( sepsis) and result in permanent damage ...The most common symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults are: fever. sensitivity to light. very bad headache and stiff or sore neck. nausea or vomiting and loss of appetite. tiredness and drowsiness. irritability. confusion. purple-red skin rash or bruising.Protecting newborns Seeing a doctor Meningitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the meninges, which protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is most often caused by a virus or...Spinal meningitis is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord due to an infection. Types of meningitis include viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, amoebic, and noninfectious. Symptoms typically include headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Treatment depends on the type of meningitis but can include antibiotics, pain relievers, or hospitalization.Herpes meningoencephalitis is an infection of the brain and brain covering (meninges) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizures, and changes in mood, personality, or ... Meningitis In Babies. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which is the tissue that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It’s most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections. Meningitis is a serious condition that, left untreated, can be fatal in a short period of time and can cause life-altering complications in ...Meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infections can be very serious, even deadly. The infections progress quickly. Someone can go from being healthy to very ill in 48 hours or less. Even if they get treatment, about 10 to 15 in 100 people with meningococcal disease will die from it.Here we offer helpful, doctor-approved info about fever, coughs, colds, flu, rashes, allergies, and many other health concerns. Explore our guides to doctor visits, vaccines, and medication, get advice on teething and dental care, and learn how to keep your child safe at home and beyond. Photo credit: iStock.com / FatCamera.
Do not administer meningococcal vaccines to: A person who has ever had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose; A person who has a severe allergy to any vaccine component; If otherwise indicated, vaccine providers may administer meningococcal vaccines to pregnant or breastfeeding women.. What does aandw stand for
Email Meningitis Infections in Infants and Children Meningitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Sometimes, the swelling affects the brain. Meningitis can be caused by medications, injuries, and conditions such as cancer and lupus, but the most common cause is infection.Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layers surrounding your brain and spinal cord (meninges). Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and non-infectious conditions can cause meningitis. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. If you think you have meningitis, go to the ER immediately. Baby & toddler Your baby’s health What to watch out for Meningitis in babies and children What is meningitis? Symptoms What to do if you think your child has meningitis What causes meningitis? How does a baby or child get meningitis?Baby & toddler Your baby’s health What to watch out for Meningitis in babies and children What is meningitis? Symptoms What to do if you think your child has meningitis What causes meningitis? How does a baby or child get meningitis?In infants, meningitis symptoms may include: High fever. Crying that’s constant and gets louder when you hold the baby. Baby seems overly sleepy, sluggish, or inactive. Stiff neck or body. Bulge ... Meningitis is a disease caused by an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It's usually caused by a virus, although it can be caused by bacteria, a fungus, or tuberculosis. Treatment for meningitis depends on the specific cause of the disease. Vaccinations can prevent or minimize the incidence of ...Viral (aseptic) meningitis. Although very rare, a small number of people with HFMD get viral meningitis. It causes fever, headache, stiff neck, or back pain and may require the infected person to be hospitalized for a few days. Learn more about Viral Meningitis. Encephalitis or paralysisget plenty of rest; take painkillers for a headache or general aches; take anti-sickness medicine for any nausea or vomiting; If you feel unable to manage your symptoms at home or you feel worse, get further medical help. Preventing the spread of infection. The risk of someone with meningitis spreading the infection to others is generally low.Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layers surrounding your brain and spinal cord (meninges). Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and non-infectious conditions can cause meningitis. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. If you think you have meningitis, go to the ER immediately. We’re happy to have these conversations for you – it’s our job to make sure you and your baby are safe under our care. When possible, avoid taking your baby to crowded public places for a few months after birth. Herpes infection from incidental touching of strangers or development of other infections from respiratory germs might occur.Spread to others. People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.Meningitis is acute or chronic inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, collectively called the meninges. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Other symptoms include confusion or altered consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises.Among adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are: Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate. Memory loss. Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills. Difficulty walking, often described as a shuffling gait or the feeling of the feet being stuck. GBS disease can be very serious, especially for babies. In the United States, GBS bacteria are a leading cause of meningitis and bloodstream infections in a newborn’s first three months of life. Newborns are at increased risk for GBS disease if their mother tests positive for the bacteria late in pregnancy. 2 to 3 in every 50 babies (4–6% ....