Meningitis is a very serious condition that could ultimately affect anyone. More commonly referred to as an infection of the brain, it is an infection of the meninges, which is the membrane that covers the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis has a high risk of death and it can also leave considerable long-term complications, or better referred to as sequalae. This illness is considered to be a significant worldwide public health challenge.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), meningitis can be caused by various organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Also, meningitis could be ignited by other conditions, such as infections, cancer, injuries or by taking some specific drugs, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
The most harmful type of meningitis is considered to be bacterial meningitis. The studies show that 1 out of 10 affected persons dies and 1 out of 5 remains with long-term complications. There are epidemics of meningitis worldwide, but one very challenging hotspot is the Sub-Saharan Africa.