The most important thing that every parent should know about meningitis is its extreme danger to children and adults, especially the bacterial type! That is responsible for more than 50% of meningitis deaths globally, and even if it does not cause death, it may lead to serious permanent complications if not treated early.




If you want to protect your child, the best thing you can do is make sure he gets all the vaccinations he's prescribed, which greatly reduces the risk of meningitis and its complications.




What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It often occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection that has moved from other areas of the body to reach these membranes. Although it can infect anyone, infants and children younger than 5 years are the most vulnerable. (1)(2)


What are the symptoms of meningitis in children?

Get medical help right away if your child develops symptoms of meningitis: (3)(4)


  • Infants: The child may develop a high body temperature with the possibility of other general symptoms (such as: refusal to breastfeed, excessive crying, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and more sleepiness than usual). The child may also suffer from a stiff neck or a swollen fontanel (the soft area in the baby's skull).
  • Older children: Sudden fever, headache, nausea / vomiting, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright light, poor appetite, general fatigue, and seizures.
  • Rash: Meningitis is sometimes characterized by red or purple spots on the skin. The rash may appear anywhere, but is most common on the lower legs, feet, arms, and hands.


Meningitis symptoms develop gradually over a day or two, but sometimes they may worsen within only a few hours, requiring emergency care As soon as possible.




Don't wait! If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, go straight to: Emergency department At Al-Ahli Hospital. Every minute counts in such cases.



What are the causes of meningitis in children?

Meningitis occurs as a result of a viral, bacterial, or even fungal or parasitic infection in rare cases: (2)(5)


  • Viral meningitis: The less dangerous type does not pose a threat to the child's life, but it causes stressful symptoms for a few days or weeks.
  • Bacterial meningitis: It is the most dangerous type; With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, 7 out of 10 children with bacterial meningitis recover without any complications. However, it causes death in 10% of those infected, or leaves permanent complications (such as: deafness, epileptic seizures, paralysis of the arms or legs, or difficulties in learning); So, he requires emergency treatment in hospital.
  • Fungal meningitis: A rare but serious type that often occurs in people with weak immune systems, such as chemotherapy patients.


How is meningitis diagnosed in children?

Early diagnosis of meningitis saves your child's life and protects him from serious complications. (4)


The tests that are usually requested are a blood test and a sample / biopsy of the spinal fluid in the lower back (lumbar puncture), which aim to confirm the diagnosis of meningitis, determine whether the cause is bacterial, viral, or other, and then choose the appropriate treatment according to the result. (4)


What is the treatment for meningitis in children?

Most children with meningitis require hospital care, and in most cases, antibiotics are started immediately even before the test result is available; This is due to the risk of bacterial meningitis, which may lead to serious complications. (3)


  • Bacterial meningitis: The child must remain under observation in the hospital, and be given antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and other treatments until his condition is stabilized.


The type and duration of antibiotic treatment is determined according to the test result, but it usually lasts between 10-14 days, sometimes less or more depending on the causative bacteria.


  • Viral meningitis: Treatment in this type is limited to alleviating symptoms and improving the child's condition until he recovers from the infection alone, and often includes rest, drinking fluids or giving intravenous fluids, and pain relievers and antipyretics as needed.


Antibiotics are stopped 48-72 hours after confirming that the infection is viral, and the child’s condition is stable.


Contagious meningitis,

If your child has it, you should: (3)


  • Consult your doctor about the necessity of taking preventive antibiotics for you and your family members (in the case of bacterial meningitis).
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating.
  •  Avoid using your child's personal tools, utensils and cups.



References