“How do kids get meningitis?”

Not sure what kind of meningitis your daughter has. But presumably most bacterial causes come from being colonized in her nose and pharynx with a bacteria that can evade her immune defenses and get to the lining of her brain. Some viruses that cause meningitis are also spread the same way whereas others are spread by mosquito bites. There are vaccines that prevent the common bacterial forms of meningitis.

Meningitis is a condition that can cause fever, headache, and a stiff neck. Meningitis happens when the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord (called the "meninges") get infected. This can occur after a child has an infection in another part of the body. The germs can travel through the blood to the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord. There are 2 main types of meningitis, depending on which germs are causing the infection. "Bacterial meningitis" is caused by bacteria. "Viral meningitis" is caused by viruses.

First, let me offer my sympathies for your facing this scary disease. There are many causes of meningitis -- several common bacteria are usually prevented by vaccines recommended for all kids, but can sometimes happen anyway. Also, a number of viruses can cause the condition. Regardless of the cause, most cases of meningitis occur when the infectious agent invades the blood stream and then "seeds" the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord. The diagnosis must be made quickly and appropriate treatment instituted. Depending on the infectious cause of the meningitis, the outcome may be total recovery or some degree of damage, including hearing loss. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most kids survive, and I hope the same will be true for your daughter.

Lisa M. Dunkle, MD