I spent a week in quaranteen with meningitus in 1988. Actually died and came back again. It was the most painful experience in my life as it felt as though someone had both my eyes in a vise and were squeezing them to make them pop. Felt as though my head was going to explode. I would never wish this experience on anyone.
There are several types of meningitus. Some bacterial, some viral, and now fungal is in the news. Here are the comments on the three from web MD:
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is an extremely serious illness that requires immediate medical care. If not treated quickly, it can lead to death within hours — or lead to permanent damage to the brain and other parts of the body.
Bacterial meningitis is caused by any one of several bacteria. Neisseria meningitidis or “meningococcus” is common in children and young adults, and Streptococcuspneumoniae or “pneumococcus” is another common cause in children and adults. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was a common cause of meningitis in infants and young children until the Hib vaccine was introduced for infants. Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae account for most of the bacterial meningitis cases in the U.S. Vaccines are available for both Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. They’re recommended for all children and adults at special risk.
The bacteria can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. If you are around someone who has bacterial meningitis, contact your doctor to ask what steps you need to take to avoid infection.
In many instances, bacterial meningitis develops when bacteria get into the bloodstream from the sinuses, ears, or other part of the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria then travel through the bloodstream to the brain.
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is more common than the bacterial form and generally — but not always — less serious. It can be triggered by a number of viruses, including several that can cause diarrhea.
People with viral meningitis are much less likely to have permanent brain damage after the infection resolves. Most will recover completely.
Fungal Meningitis
Fungal meningitis is much less common than the other two infectious forms. Fungus-related meningitis is rare in healthy people. However, someone who has an impaired immune system is more likely to become infected with this form of meningitis.
The pharmacy that provided the contaminated drug:
“The New England Compounding Center was masquerading as a compounding pharmacy so it could escape federal regulation when it was actually operating as a drug manufacturer,” said Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., who sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the FDA.