Dr Juan Rivera Meningitis

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

The sad news that one of Ferdinando Valencia's twins is in a delicate state of health has filled his followers with dismay. The baby suffered meningitis from which he recovered and was released from the hospital. However, the boy has had a relapse and is newly admitted and under medical care.

The Mexican actor and his partner Brenda Kellerman have turned to the networks to ask the public to support them with their prayers for the health of little Dante.

While we await news from the family residing in Guadalajara, Mexico, Dr. Juan Rivera, GP at People en Español, explains what meningitis is and how it can be treated.

Doctor what is meningitis and what causes it?

Basically meningitis is an infection of the brain and the tissues that cover the brain and is caused by a virus or bacteria. Usually when it is a bacterium it tends to be a more severe infection.

What are your symptoms?

Fairly severe headache, light intolerance, fever, and can eventually cause stronger neurological symptoms such as seizures.

It is mortal?

Yes, it can definitely be a life-threatening illness. Depending on the type of bacteria or virus that affects the person. There are some specific bacteria that cause meningitis that, in addition to meningitis, can cause generalized dysfunction of the body, so it becomes quite serious because other organs are not working properly. I have seen patients in intensive care rooms with meningitis.

Is there a vaccine for meningitis or a way to prevent it?

Yes, there is a vaccine for certain types of bacterial meningitis. There is no vaccine for meningitis caused by viruses, but there is a vaccine that is given to children. Usually when the person has meningitis, if it is a bacteria, it is quickly treated with antibiotics, sometimes intravenously.

It is contagious?

Some meningitis may be contagious.

Can you give it to adults or only to children?

No, meningitis can hit anyone: it can hit adults [and] it can hit children.

Who is at greater risk of contracting this disease?

Anyone really is at risk of getting meningitis because it leads to an explosion of bacteria or a virus. Now, people who have compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of getting it and making it more serious. Those are people who may have cancer, may have HIV, or some type of disease that suppresses their immune systems.

Is it true that you can give us meningitis from a blow to the head?

No. Not really. Meningitis is caused by a virus or bacteria, but not by a bump.

-The Center for Communicable Diseases (CDC) recommends that all children ages 11-12 receive one dose of MenACWY meningococcal vaccine. At the age of 16 they should receive a booster of said vaccine. "The booster dose gives teens continuous protection during the ages when they are most at risk," he says.

For more information on meningitis and vaccines to combat it, visit the CDC's specialized Spanish page.

Rutgers University has also published extensive information on meningitis on its official website.