Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial infections are among the most serious causes of meningitis.
People infected with bacterial meningitis are more likely to develop brain damage, permanent disability, hearing loss, loss of learning ability, and even death.

Bacteria that cause meningitis

Several bacteria can cause meningitis infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli. However, these are the four most common causes of bacterial meningitis infections:

Streptococcus pneumonia

These bacteria are the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children, and adults. These bacteria can be found in the respiratory tract. When infected with these bacteria, you may develop pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, septicemia, or meningitis.

Neisseria meningitis

Neisseria meningitis is a bacterium that causes meningitis by spreading through an infected person's respiratory secretions. Bacteria spread through close contact, such as coughing or kissing.

Haemophilus influenzae

The bacterium H. influenzae can cause both mild ear infections and severe infections that spread through the bloodstream. This bacteria does not cause influenza and can be prevented with the Hib vaccine.

Listeria monocytogenes

This bacterium causes listeria infections, particularly in the elderly, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems. The bacterium can be transmitted to the fetus via the placenta, resulting in serious conditions for the baby in the womb.

How to prevent bacterial meningitis

Frequent handwash

Handwashing is a very important step to prevent the spread of various types of infections, including bacterial meningitis. Washing your hands helps remove bacteria from your hands and reduces the risk of spreading infections.

Do not share eating utensils and other personal items

Bacteria that cause meningitis can live on contaminated surfaces or objects, such as eating utensils, toothbrushes, towels, and other personal items. Therefore, not sharing eating utensils and personal items can help reduce the risk of spreading bacterial meningitis.

Furthermore, keeping your environment clean, such as cleaning surfaces and frequently touched objects, can help eliminate bacteria that may be around you.

Maintaining cough etiquette

Cough etiquette is an important step in preventing the spread of bacterial meningitis, especially if you or someone around you has symptoms of coughing, cold, or flu.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with your elbow or a tissue. After using the tissues, throw them away right away.

Please do not cough or sneeze into the air. Immediately wash your hands with soap and running water after sneezing or coughing.

Avoid eating raw or undercooked meals during pregnancy

Raw foods like meat, fish, and eggs may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause a variety of infections, including bacterial meningitis. Avoiding raw foods can help reduce the spread of bacterial infections.

Choose thoroughly cooked, clean foods, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Have other questions about bacterial meningitis infection? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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