Symptoms

• Symptoms occur over one to two days. They include stiff neck, severe headache, fever, confusion, seizures, light sensitivity, or loss of thirst and/or appetite. Babies may have a bulge in the soft spot at the top of the head.
  
  

Transmission

• Meningococcus is very contagious. Pregnant women, the elderly and newborns are more susceptible.
  
  

Risk of Side Effects

• Bacterial meningitis is an emergency. It can be fatal in two days. The longer treatment is delayed, the higher the risk of severe long-term side effects. Fifty percent of those contracting bacterial spinal meningitis have long-term side effects.
  
  

Neurological Side Effects

• Long-term neurological side effects affect the nervous system and brain. In bacterial meningitis, these can include seizures, permanent brain damage, permanent nerve damage, blindness, hearing or speech loss, learning problems, behavior problems and paralysis.
  
  

Other Side Effects

• Non-neurological long-term side effects of bacterial meningitis can include loss of limbs, kidney failure, renal failure, other organ failure and shock.
  
  

Considerations

• If you think you or someone in your care has contracted meningitis, seek medical attention immediately.