Meningitis

• Meningitis is a serious medical condition that causes swelling of the membrane surrounding the brain, compressing the cerebrospinal fluid that covers the brain and spinal cord.
  
  

Causes of Meningitis

• Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis; however, the most serious cause of meningitis is a bacterial infection, which can be fatal. Group B strep can cause meningitis in newborn babies, if they contract it via the birth canal. Additional causes of meningitis are chemical irritations, drug allergies, fungi and tumors.
  
  

Symptoms of Meningitis

• Symptoms of meningitis include fever, chills, changes in mental status, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, severe headaches and stiff neck.
  
  

Types of Strep

• The two types of strep are A and B. Group A causes strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, toxic shock syndrome and cellulitis. Group B causes blood infections, pneumonia and meningitis in newborns. Many people carry the Group B in their bodies naturally, which is why pregnant women are screened prior to delivery to prevent newborns from contracting this serious infection.
  
  

Symptoms of Strep

• Symptoms of strep A infections can include sore throat, fever, rash, nausea and vomiting. Group B strep can cause no symptoms, but in severe infections can lead to seizures, stiffness and fever.