Bacterial Meningitis Incubation Period

The human brain and the spinal cord are covered with protective membranes known as meninges. The inflammation of these meninges by bacteria or virus is known as meningitis. Meningitis is of two types; bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis, caused by bacteria and virus respectively.

An Overview on Bacterial Meningitis

Among the two, the bacterial infection is considered to be more serious and fatal, or life-threatening, as the infection causes the tissues to swell. This leads to obstructed blood flow, and consequently a stroke or paralysis. Bacterial meningitis can be caused due to numerous bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae. But, most of the time, it is found to be caused by an impaired or weakened immune system, head injury or infection. Infants and children are mostly found to be susceptible to the disease, but, it can also be found in adults.

Symptoms

The prominent symptoms of bacterial meningitis are high fever, headache and stiffness of the neck. The neck becomes so stiff that the person is unable to lower his head. Sometimes, tricky symptoms like stiffening of the body or skin rash are also observed in babies. The other symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Refusal to eat in babies
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Joint pain or muscle pain
• Stomach cramps
• Whimpering cry in babies
• Seizures
• Swelling of head in babies

Incubation Period

Bacterial meningitis incubation period refers to the time gap from the time the disease-causing bacteria enters the body, to the time when the first symptom is visible. Although the incubation time is between 2 - 10 days; sometimes, the symptoms can appear in a few hours too.

Is Bacterial Meningitis Contagious?

It is mildly contagious, and spreads only through close contact with the infected person. It spreads when a healthy person comes in contact with the infected person's saliva or nose discharges. It should be remembered that this disease does not spread through casual contact like shaking hands or breathing the same air as the infected person.

Treatment

Earliest possible treatment is required for meningitis or it can be life-threatening. Therefore, even if one suspects symptoms of bacterial meningitis, he must contact the doctor immediately. A sample of the spinal fluid helps in diagnosing the disease. The doctor may even advice you to undergo blood and urine tests. Identification of the disease-causing bacteria is the most important aspect before beginning the treatment of bacterial meningitis.

If the symptoms are ignored or not diagnosed in the early stage, one may suffer from severe complications. Mental impairment, paralysis or death can be the result of bacterial meningitis being left untreated. Therefore, early diagnosis is important for recovery.

A course of antibiotics from the early phase or onset can help in treating the disease completely. According to the statistics, the number of deaths occurring due to this disease is relatively low. One should remember that a person can recover from this disease if it is diagnosed and treated properly. There are vaccinations available for the prevention of bacterial meningitis, which are very safe and reliable.

Prevention

As aforementioned, the infection spreads through exchange of bodily fluids; the only way to prevent it is not sharing personal items like toothbrushes, towels or even food and drinks. Vaccination is another effective method to prevent bacterial meningitis. Children, teenagers, old people, people living in large groups like in hostels, should be specially vaccinated. Sometimes, in certain countries, there may be an epidemic of bacterial meningitis. If you are thinking of traveling, you should make sure that the place is safe for visiting.

This article is not to be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment. Consulting the doctor is recommended in case you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms.