Protect yourself against meningitis: Get the facts, says Valley doctor Tricia Nielsen

Published 4:53 pm Thursday, October 30, 2014

Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by an inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord called the meninges.

It is most commonly caused by a viral infection somewhere else in the body, but can also be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Depending on the type of meningitis, it can be easily curable or can cause serious complications.

It is important to know the symptoms of meningitis in order to seek immediate and proper medical treatment. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lethargy, rash, seizures and light sensitivity. Babies can have additional symptoms including not feeding well, a bulging soft spot, extreme fatigue and increased fussiness.

Although anyone can get meningitis, young children, college students and military personnel who live in close proximity are most at risk.

“The most important step in preventing meningitis is to be up to date on vaccines, especially those that protect from different types of meningitis, including Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib),” Dr. Tricia Nielsen, family practice physician with Snoqualmie Ridge Medical Clinic, said. “Frequent hand washing also helps prevent spreading the disease, especially after changing diapers or being exposed to someone who has been recently diagnosed with meningitis.”

Viral meningitis is the most common type and is rarely serious. It typically goes away within a week without treatment. A person can become infected with viral meningitis in a variety of ways, but most commonly through direct contact with contaminated food, water, surfaces or feces containing a specific group of viruses. Other virus types can be spread by coughing and sneezing, insects or animal bites.

Bacterial meningitis is usually a serious infection requiring immediate medical attention. It can be contracted from a recent ear or sinus infection, exposure to a person with bacterial meningitis, complications from a surgery such as hearing implants, or following a serious head injury.

“Early treatment is crucial in preventing serious complications such as death, hearing problems, learning disabilities, seizures, migraines and other conditions,” said Nielsen. “It is very important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else exhibits symptoms of meningitis or has been in close contact to someone diagnosed with meningitis. Even if it is a viral infection, it is best not to take a chance until you are evaluated and diagnosed.”

Most people make a complete recovery if meningitis is diagnosed and treated early.

Snoqualmie Ridge Medical Clinic is located at 35020 S.E. Kinsey Street in Snoqualmie Ridge. To make an appointment or for more information about the clinic and Dr. Nielsen, call (425) 396-7682 or go to www.snoqualmiehospital.org and click on “Clinics.”