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.
3 months ago Utah Hockey Club Prepares to Face Florida Panthers: Projected Lineups and Game Preview
4 minutes ago Lucy Hale & Ian Harding defend 'Pretty Little Liars' age gap relationship controversy.
4 minutes ago Adou Thiero: From Arkansas Project to NBA Draft Prospect in 2025
23 days ago Kristin Cavallari reveals cutting her father out of her life was her best decision.
2 months ago Jamie Lee Curtis executive produces 'Darkly' series adaptation with Blumhouse Television. NYT bestseller adapted.
1 hour ago Drake Powell: North Carolina NBA Draft prospect, scout analysis, and draft time.
Sergio Gor is a Maltese American businessman and political operative...
Jupiter is the fifth and largest planet from the Sun...
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Cristiano Ronaldo often called CR is a Portuguese professional footballer...
Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen is a prominent German politician...
John M Keane is a retired American general formerly the...