Health Corner

Stopping Infection Before It Starts

Most people have heard of invasive meningitis, but how much do we actually know about it?
This serious infection can be caused by several types of bacteria. Among newborns, the most common culprits are Group B streptococcus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Listeria monocytogenes. For infants aged six months and older, invasive meningitis is most often caused by pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), or meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis).

How Dangerous Is Invasive Meningitis?

These bacteria are contagious. Children can become infected through contact with an infected person’s nose or throat secretions—such as droplets from sneezing or nasal mucus—especially when their immune system is weakened.

Invasive meningitis can lead to serious long-term complications, including permanent hearing loss or intellectual impairment, and may even be fatal. Because its early symptoms are often mild or nonspecific, parents may overlook them, delaying diagnosis and treatment. At the onset of illness, symptoms may include fever and fatigue.

As the disease progresses, the patient may develop high fever, confusion, seizures, neck stiffness, and light sensitivity.
If meningococcal bacteria are the cause, purplish skin rashes may appear, which can quickly progress to septicemia (blood poisoning).

Since infants cannot describe their discomfort, parents should be especially alert to warning signs such as:

• Irritability or unusual drowsiness

• Loss of appetite

• Persistent fever (mild or high)

If these symptoms appear, parents should seek immediate medical attention to rule out meningitis.