Meningitis is an inflammation that affects the three membranes that surround the brain, as well as the spinal cord and parts of the central nervous system. It is highly dangerous and contagious, especially in babies, and there are various types of meningitis, each with its own specific cause and symptoms. The most common are viral meningitis1, bacterial meningitis2, and the rarer fungal meningitis3. In the case of viral meningitis, as its name suggests, it is caused by a virus, and it tends to appear in a milder form in both babies and children, with symptoms similar to the flu or a common viral infection. The symptoms of meningitis in babies or children are:

  • Neck stiffness, causing severe pain and making it impossible for the baby to move their head normally.
  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritability

Fever and headache are also common symptoms of meningitis in babies and children, and if suspected, it is recommended to seek a doctor for testing to confirm whether or not it is meningitis and to determine its type. Bacterial meningitis is more concerning due to the severity it can cause and should be treated immediately in babies. It is caused by meningococcal, pneumococcal, and haemophilus bacteria and is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Symptoms appear more quickly and more aggressively than viral meningitis, with very high fevers that can lead to seizures in 40% of cases, vomiting, red spots on the body, and difficulty moving the neck, especially with chin-up or chin-down movements, and the baby’s soft spot may appear higher than normal.

How is Meningitis Diagnosed in Babies and Children?

This is a procedure much feared by mothers, but it is necessary. The diagnosis of meningitis is carried out through a spinal fluid puncture, where a needle is inserted to collect a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid, which will be sent for laboratory analysis. It is important to note that this procedure does not require anesthesia. Because this disease requires rapid treatment, results come out within minutes and are performed in the hospital itself.

How is Meningitis Treated in Babies and What Are the Possible Aftereffects?

Treatment for meningitis begins as soon as the exam results are available, when the specialist will know what type of meningitis is present and which medication is appropriate to combat it. Normally, the patient needs to be hospitalized to receive the proper medication, such as antibiotics; in the case of viral meningitis, medication is not always necessary. People who have had contact with the baby should be examined, and if needed, samples should be collected to test and rule out possible contagion. If meningitis is not treated immediately, severe aftereffects may occur, such as deafness, permanent brain damage in the baby, learning difficulties, kidney failure, and even death.

The main age group at risk for meningitis is children from 0 to 5 years old, which is why a vaccine is provided for those up to 2 years of age throughout the public health network. If your baby has not been vaccinated, go to your nearest health clinic and update the vaccination card.

See also: Respiratory Diseases – Learn What They Are and How to Prevent Them

Photo: Mike Bitzenhofer