History of Meningitis in Timeline
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Common symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness, sometimes accompanied by photophobia. Other symptoms can be confusion, nausea, and sensitivity to light and noise. Young children may show only nonspecific signs like irritability or drowsiness. A non-blanching rash may also occur.
1906: Antiserum Produced in Horses
In 1906, antiserum was produced in horses to combat meningitis; this advancement was further developed by Simon Flexner.
1944: Penicillin Reported Effective
In 1944, penicillin was first reported as an effective treatment for meningitis.
1990: Meningitis Deaths in 1990
In 1990, meningitis caused 433,000 deaths globally.
1996: Start of Major Meningitis Epidemic in Africa
In 1996, the largest meningitis epidemic ever recorded began, sweeping across Africa.
1997: Peak of Major Meningitis Epidemic in Africa
In 1997, the meningitis epidemic that started in 1996 peaked, causing over 250,000 cases and 25,000 deaths.
2002: Evidence of Steroid Treatment Benefits
In 2002, evidence emerged that treatment with steroids could improve the prognosis of bacterial meningitis.
2010: Meningitis Deaths in 2010
In 2010, it was estimated that meningitis resulted in 420,000 deaths, excluding cryptococcal meningitis.
2013: Meningitis Deaths in 2013
In 2013, meningitis resulted in 303,000 deaths, which was a decrease from 464,000 deaths in 1990.
2014: Approval of New Meningitis B Vaccines in 2014
In 2014, two new vaccines were approved that are effective against a wider range of group B meningococci strains.
2019: Meningitis Global Impact in 2019
In 2019, approximately 7.7 million people worldwide were diagnosed with meningitis, resulting in 236,000 deaths.
