This illness is an inflammation of the meninges of the brain and/or the spinal cord.

Meningitis can occur to a child of any age. Children between six and twelve months of age are the most likely to have meningitis, with the illness often following a respiratory infection. The illness can begin either gradually or abruptly.

a. Signs/Symptoms of Meningitis. Included are the following:

(1) In a young infant, a high-pitched cry.

(2) A stiff neck in a late stage of the illness.

(3) Fever.

(4) Altered state of consciousness.

(5) Rash (with meningococcal meningitis).

(6) Nausea.

(7) Convulsions.

b. Treatment for Meningitis. Treat with antibiotics such as ampicillin or chloramphenicol.

Editor’s Note: For bacterial meningitis, many experts recommend determining optimal therapy after the infectious organism is identified. While awaiting this identification, empiric therapy of a 3rd generation cephalosporin plus vancomycin is often recommended.