Meningitis B is a form ofbacterial meningitiscaused by a specific subtype ofNeisseria meningitidis.
This infection is rare.
The bacteria is transmitted by close contact with another individual.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
It can invade the body and lead tomeningitis, an inflammation around the brain.
Other associated symptoms include:
The symptoms typically develop three to seven days after exposure to the bacteria.
Still, older people have these symptoms less frequently than younger people.Their meningitis does not present with classic characteristics.
Once this stage of illness has occurred, death can occur within hours.
However, meningitis B is uncommon, and meningococcemia does not always occur, making this severe manifestation rare.
It most often happens in young people (babies, teens, and young adults).
Mortality Rate for Meningitis B
The mortality rate for people with meningitis B is approximately 10%.
Complications
Most people recover from bacterial meningitis.
People who develop the characteristic petechial rash and have meningitis symptoms can be pretty sure they have meningitis B.
However, it can be too late when the rash has developed.
Often fever and a headache can seem like another viral illness.
If a person is getting worse or has other associated symptoms, meningitis might be the cause.
Summary
Meningitis B is an inflammation around the brain caused byNeisseria meningitidissubtype B.
The most common symptoms associated with meningitis B include fever, headache, and neck stiffness.
Sometimes people can have other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion, and photosensitivity.
People with severe disease can develop meningococcemia, the spread ofNeisseria meningitidisto the bloodstream, which is life-threatening.
Most people recover from bacterial meningitis B, but some people can develop chronic neurologic disabilities.
It can be challenging to differentiate meningitis B from other forms of meningitis.
Diagnosis requires laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid evaluation.
Any viral syndrome that has a fever can also cause a headache.
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