Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord. Common symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, and sometimes light sensitivity. Other symptoms may involve confusion, altered consciousness, nausea, and intolerance to light or noise. Young children may show non-specific symptoms like irritability, drowsiness, or poor feeding. A non-blanching rash might also occur.
1906: Antiserum for Meningitis Developed
In 1906, antiserum for meningitis was produced in horses, which significantly reduced mortality from the disease.
1944: Penicillin Effective in Meningitis
In 1944, penicillin was first reported to be effective in treating meningitis.
1990: Meningitis Mortality
In 1990, 464,000 deaths were attributed to meningitis.
1990: Meningitis Mortality
In 1990, there were 433,000 deaths globally due to meningitis.
1996: Largest Meningitis Epidemic Recorded
Between 1996 and 1997, the largest meningitis epidemic in history swept across sub-Saharan Africa, causing over 250,000 cases and 25,000 deaths.
1997: Largest Meningitis Epidemic Concludes
In 1997, the largest recorded meningitis epidemic ended, having caused over 250,000 cases and 25,000 deaths across sub-Saharan Africa since 1996.
2002: Steroids Improve Prognosis of Bacterial Meningitis
In 2002, evidence showed that treatment with steroids could improve the prognosis of bacterial meningitis.
2010: Estimated Meningitis Deaths
In 2010, it was estimated that meningitis resulted in 420,000 deaths, excluding cryptococcal meningitis.
2013: Meningitis Mortality
In 2013, meningitis resulted in 303,000 deaths globally, a decrease from 464,000 deaths in 1990.
2014: New Meningococcal Vaccines Approved
In 2014, two new vaccines were approved that are effective against a wider range of group B meningococci strains.
2019: Global Meningitis Cases and Mortality
In 2019, there were approximately 7.7 million cases of meningitis diagnosed globally, resulting in 236,000 deaths. This was a decrease from the 433,000 deaths reported in 1990.