Vaccination against the Hemophilus influenzae type b bacteria is now a routine part of childhood immunizations and has greatly reduced this type of meningitis.
A vaccine for some types of meningococcal meningitis is sometimes given to large groups of people when a small epidemic of the disease has broken out. Also, individuals traveling overseas to high-risk areas like sub-Saharan Africa are often advised to get the vaccine.
Medically reviewed by Michael Aronson, MD, August 2005.
SOURCES: Shmaefsky, B.; Alcamo, E.; Menegitis (Deadly Diseases and Epidemics). Chelsea House Publications, 2004. Menaker, J.; Martin, I.; Hirshon, J.; "Marked elevation of cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count: an unusual case of Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, differential diagnosis, and a brief review of current epidemiology and treatment recommendations." Journal of Emergency Medicine; July 2005; Vo. 29; pp 37-41. Yogev, R.; Guzman-Cottrill, J.; "Bacterial meningitis in children: critical review of current concepts." Drugs, 2005, vol 65; pp 1097-1112. Gottfried, K.; Quinn, R.; Jones, T.; "Clinical description and follow-up investigation of human West Nile virus cases." Southern Medical Journal June 2005; vol. 98; pp 603-606
