Death toll and statistics related to Meningitis cases
Meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can be caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and even parasites. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the three main types of meningitis: viral, bacterial, and fungal.
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis (VM) is more common than bacterial meningitis (BM) and is usually less severe. Most people with healthy immune systems can recover from VM, with the condition often resolving spontaneously without significant long-term effects. Residual symptoms such as neurological impairments are rare.
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis (BM) is the most severe form and fatal if left untreated. Even with treatment, fatality depends on factors such as the pathogen involved, patient age, immune status, and overall health. Case fatality rates for invasive meningococcal disease (a bacterial meningitis) can reach up to 20% or more but vary by region and vaccine coverage. For example, in China from 2015 to 2019, the case fatality rate of invasive meningococcal disease was around 11.8%.
Compared to other vaccine-preventable diseases, bacterial meningitis, especially from Neisseria meningitidis serogroups (A, B, C, W, Y), can have a relatively high fatality rate without vaccination and treatment. Widespread use of conjugate vaccines against these serogroups has led to substantially decreased incidence and mortality globally.
Fungal Meningitis
Fungal meningitis is associated with a high mortality rate and serious neurological complications; adherence to treatment is critical to avoid relapse and death.
Global Trends
Global meningitis cases increased from 2.5 million in 1990 to 2.82 million in 2016, despite a decrease in overall deaths by 21%. Meningitis rates are high in some areas of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa, but are low in the United States. In developed countries, the fatality rate for meningitis is relatively low due to quick access to medical care.
Prevention and Vaccination
Vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of developing meningitis, with vaccines available for bacterial and viral causes of the disease. Vaccines like Penmenvy have shown effectiveness comparable to existing meningococcal vaccines, improving prevention.
Impact on Survivors
Meningitis can result in long-term health effects such as brain damage, hearing loss, speech loss, and vision loss for those who survive. Among people who contract BM, 5 in 6 survive, but 1 in 5 survivors goes on to develop a permanent disability.
Conclusion
While meningitis can have severe consequences, vaccination and prompt medical treatment can significantly reduce the risk of death and long-term health complications. Understanding the different types of meningitis and their associated risks is crucial for prevention and early intervention.
- In the context of science and medical-conditions, vaccines are instrumental in the prevention of meningitis, particularly for bacterial and viral causes, as demonstrated by Penmenvy.
- The impact of meningitis on health-and-wellness does not end with the initial recovery; survivors may deal with long-term effects such as brain damage, hearing loss, speech loss, and vision loss.
- Mental-health is also important to consider, as one in five survivors of bacterial meningitis (BM) may develop a permanent disability.
- Fitness-and-exercise and overall health can potentially affect one's resistance to certain types of meningitis, as the fatality rates for invasive meningococcal disease are higher without proper immunization.
