Question

Research appropriate treatment for bacterial meningitis and describe a comprehensive plan to treat those affected as well as prevent the spread of the disease on campus. Describe your plan in your laboratory journal.

Answer 1

Treatment

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes, meninges that surrounds and protects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Bacterial meningitis must be treated immediately with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids and, of course, the antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.

Prevention

First of all, to prevent the spread of bacterial meningitis it is important to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing. Since the factors that increase the risk include spending time in communities (school, campus or college) because it spreads easily, children should be aware and vaccinated. As several types of bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, a range of vaccines is wide (e.g. meningococcal vaccine, Hib vaccine).