How fast does bacterial meningitis spread

In many countries, TB is much more common than in the United States. Travelers should avoid close contact or prolonged time with known TB patients in crowded, enclosed environments for example, clinics, hospitals, prisons, or homeless shelters. Certain germs that cause bacterial meningitis, such as L. But most of these germs spread from one person to another. How people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria.

It is also important to know that people can have these bacteria in or on their bodies without being sick. Here are some of the most common examples of how people spread each type of bacteria to each other:. People usually get sick from E. Pregnant people with a Listeria infection may not have any symptoms or may only have a fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and muscle aches.

However, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn, including meningitis. Pregnant women can pass group B Streptococcus group B strep to their baby during delivery. Newborns infected with group B strep can develop meningitis or other serious infections soon after birth. Talk with your doctor or midwife about getting a group B test when you are 36 through 37 weeks pregnant.

Doctors give antibiotics during labor to women who test positive in order to prevent infections in newborns. Newborns and babies may not have, or it may be difficult to notice the classic symptoms listed above.

Instead, babies may. Typically, symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure; note, this is not true for TB meningitis, which can develop much later after exposure to the bacteria. People with bacterial meningitis can have seizures, go into a coma, and even die. For this reason, anyone who thinks they may have meningitis should see a doctor as soon as possible. If a doctor suspects meningitis, they will collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid fluid near the spinal cord.

A laboratory will test the samples to see what is causing the infection. Learn more about pneumococcal meningitis, a rare but life-threatening form of infection. We look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Learn all about aseptic meningitis, a form of meningitis not caused by bacteria. We look at what causes it, the symptoms, and treatment options.

Many people recover from meningitis with proper medical treatment, but some people may have lifelong effects. Learn about how meningitis affects the…. All about bacterial meningitis. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Symptoms Causes Risk factors Treatment Prevention Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type of meningitis. Share on Pinterest Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the meningococcus bacteria.

Share on Pinterest Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges that cover the brain. Risk factors. Share on Pinterest The incidence of meningitis in the U.

Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What is causing my rash? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD. What is pneumococcal meningitis? You do not always get all the symptoms. You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you're concerned that you or your child could have meningitis.

Call NHS or your GP surgery for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.

Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common. People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week.