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.
In 1906, antiserum was produced in horses to combat meningitis; this advancement was further developed by Simon Flexner.
In 1944, penicillin was first reported as an effective treatment for meningitis.
In 1990, meningitis caused 433,000 deaths globally.
In 1996, the largest meningitis epidemic ever recorded began, sweeping across Africa.
In 1997, the meningitis epidemic that started in 1996 peaked, causing over 250,000 cases and 25,000 deaths.
In 2002, evidence emerged that treatment with steroids could improve the prognosis of bacterial meningitis.
In 2010, it was estimated that meningitis resulted in 420,000 deaths, excluding cryptococcal meningitis.
In 2013, meningitis resulted in 303,000 deaths, which was a decrease from 464,000 deaths in 1990.
In 2014, two new vaccines were approved that are effective against a wider range of group B meningococci strains.
In 2019, approximately 7.7 million people worldwide were diagnosed with meningitis, resulting in 236,000 deaths.
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