Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. It can cause serious complications, especially in infants, who may not have the typical symptoms seen in older children and adults. Timely detection of the disease is important to prevent further complications; Therefore, parents should know when to seek help. To know more about meningitis, we contacted Dr. P. Sharath Babu, MBBS, MD Pediatrics, Fellowship in Neonatology, Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital, Chennai, who shares information on the disease.

What is meningitis and why is early detection important?

Generally, meningitis is caused by bacterial or viral infection. The bacterial form is more serious and requires immediate medical care, while the viral form is worrisome but relatively mild. Common causative bacteria in infants include group B streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Generally, cases of meningitis increase rapidly in newborns and young infants; Thus, it is necessary to take immediate action when signs and symptoms appear.

Dr. P. Sharath explains that the bacterial form of meningitis can lead to brain damage, hearing loss or even death, so early detection is important. However, the signs are often subtle and may resemble common illnesses, so parents should be alert to any unusual symptoms.

Warning signs to be aware of:

1. Bad food – Infants with meningitis are often reluctant to feed or have difficulty feeding, even if the child was previously feeding well. Poor diet can quickly lead to dehydration and make illness worse.

2. Irritability or abnormal crying- Meningitis makes infants and young children extremely irritable and fussy. They may also sometimes start crying loudly. Parents may also notice that their baby is completely inconsolable, refusing to be comforted by feedings, swings or hugs.

3. Unresponsiveness- An infant who appears sleepier than usual or does not wake up easily and seems unresponsive is one of the most important symptoms of the illness. Drowsiness caused by meningitis is a condition where the child will not be as active as he or she normally is.

4. Bulging fontanel- Another important thing to pay attention to is the soft spot on the baby’s head (the fontanel). Increased pressure inside the skull can cause a bulge in the fontanel. Although fontanel movement is normal, persistent bulging, especially with other symptoms, would be a cause for concern.

5. Seizures- Seizures are another warning sign of meningitis. Seizures usually cause sudden jerky movements, eye movements or body stiffness, and can last from a few seconds to several minutes and require immediate medical attention.

When to seek medical help?

Dr. P. Sharath explains that meningitis can progress very quickly, so it is important to get your child evaluated if he or she has some of these combined symptoms. “Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own. Infants are more likely to suffer meningitis complications such as permanent neurological damage, hearing loss or even death,” he said.

“If meningitis is suspected, the doctor may order a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, to test the cerebrospinal fluid for infection. Blood tests, imaging scans, and other tools are used to diagnose the disease. If the disease is confirmed as bacterial meningitis, intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization are necessary. Viral meningitis can be treated supportively as the disease often runs its course on its own,” he adds.

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