The Rest of Them Questions

There are people I know who actually use 'them' incorrectly, like in my title. I also have family that says worsh instead of wash.

Back to the Questions:

What is the known background/history of the disease?

Meningitis was first recorded after an outbreak in Geneva, Switzerland in 1805. The causative bacteria was not discovered until 1887. Since then, epidemics of meningitis as well as sporadic cases have occured world wide. The Meningitis belt has epidemics most frequently.

What are the symtoms?

Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and nausea. In the "advanced" staged of the disease, bruising on the skin is common and seizures may develop. (http://www.dhpe.org/infect/Bacmeningitis.html The directors of Health Promotion and Education)

How does it affect humans?

Bacterial Meningitis has lead to a vaccine, which people are highly encouraged to recieve. Humanitarian aid groups work to vaccinate people in poorer nations. Epidemics plague entire populations. This question is confusing, just like my answer.

On the cellular level, how does it 'work'?

Although I'm not certain, I believe that when the bacteria infects the meninges, the body's attempt to combat the bacteria causes swelling. This leads to the symptoms as well as the possible long-lasting effects (brain damage; death).

Who does it affect?

The sporadic cases in the first- world affect people living in close contact (college students, children in day care). On the global scale, people in third-world countries are more likely to get the disease, especially those living in the Meningitis Belt in sub-Saharan Africa.

How is it aquired?

The bacteria that cause meningitis are not uncommon. They are often present in the nose or throat without causing any harm. Occasionally the bacteria break through to the meninges. This causes an initial case of meningitis. Meningitis spreads through respiratory droplets of infected persons. (Merck http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec06/ch089/ch089b.html)

How is it percieved by the public?

I haven't been able to find a strange social connotation for Meningitis.

Can it be prevented?

Several preventative vaccines are available for meningitis. Epidemics of meningitis can be prevented with early treatment and preventative vaccines and treatments for those who are at risk.

Religious/Social Institutions: This section of questions, about the way religion and the disease collide did not apply to Bacterial Meningitis (as far as I or my partners could tell). As for social institutions, there has been a big push recently for college students and younger adolescents to get vaccinated and humanitarian groups support vaccination and education about Meningitis worldwide.