A mother has been hospitalized with her eight-year-old son following a visit to a water park. Her son developed severe cold-like symptoms, leading them to seek medical attention, where he was diagnosed with meningitis and admitted for treatment.
She shared, “I initially thought it was just cold because of his high fever and headache. Given its prevalence these days, I even suspected it might be COVID-19. I never imagined it would be meningitis. I was stunned to learn it could be contracted from a swimming pool.”
Meningitis, often mistaken for a summer cold, commonly affects children under 10 from June to August. Its symptoms can be challenging to differentiate from cold or flu symptoms. If a child’s condition deteriorates suddenly, meningitis should be considered.
Meningitis is an infection-related inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain. Depending on the source of the infection, it can be classified into bacterial, viral, or fungal types.
Bacterial meningitis is the most severe form and is caused by bacteria such as pneumococcus, meningococcus, and E. coli. It is widespread in newborns, premature infants, unvaccinated children, and those with weakened immune systems. This type carries a higher risk of complications than viral meningitis and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Na Ji Hoon, a professor of pediatrics at Gangnam Severance Hospital, stated, “Bacterial meningitis often causes rapid onset of systemic symptoms and can progress quickly, potentially leading to coma or death. It can also result in serious long-term effects on the central nervous system.”
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis. It is primarily caused by enteroviruses, leading to hand, foot, and mouth disease, accounting for 90% of cases. Other viruses, including herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, influenza, parainfluenza, and coronaviruses, can also cause viral meningitis.
Dr. Na explained, “Viral meningitis generally has milder symptoms compared to bacterial meningitis, but it can still cause severe headaches, vomiting, dehydration, and neurological symptoms such as seizures.”
These viruses, many of which are well-known, spread quickly. “Enteroviruses, in particular, can spread not only through person-to-person contact but also via contaminated water, swimming pools, and feces,” Dr. Na noted.
“While viral meningitis typically has milder symptoms and may resolve on its own, the aftereffects and complications can vary depending on the patient’s condition and the specific virus involved,” he added. Dr. Na also warned that herpes virus-related meningitis can lead to complications such as hearing loss or seizures if not properly treated.
Early recognition of meningitis symptoms and prompt medical attention are essential for effective treatment.
Dr. Na advised, “In infants, symptoms such as poor feeding, excessive crying, high fever, rapid deterioration in health, and widespread rashes can be hard to distinguish from other infections. If a fever persists and the child’s condition worsens, parents should consider the possibility of meningitis and seek medical attention immediately.”
For children beyond elementary school age, typical symptoms of meningitis include fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness.
In severe cases, neurological symptoms such as paralysis of one limb, seizures, or altered consciousness may occur. If these symptoms appear, suspecting the infection might have directly affected the brain is crucial.
To prevent meningitis, getting vaccinated against the diseases that cause it is advisable. Vaccines recommended in the national immunization program include those for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), tuberculosis, measles, varicella (chickenpox), and pneumococcus.
Maintaining good personal hygiene is also vital. Dr. Na emphasized, “Avoid exposure to contaminated water or feces and be especially cautious with public swimming pools during the summer. Additionally, boost your immune system through healthy lifestyle habits, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise.”