Meningitis is an infection of the membrane and fluid around the brain and spinal cord. It strikes very fast. It spreads quickly through the body. And it may cause severe long-term health problems. It can even be fatal. So it's vital to get medical help right away if you think you or a loved one has this infection.

Call 911 right away if you, your child, or a family member has a sudden fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher with any of the following:

• Severe headache that doesn't go away
• Stiff neck (arching back or neck in infants)
• Nausea or vomiting with headache
• Double vision
• Sleepiness or trouble waking up
• Irritability
• Dislike of being handled (infants)
• Bruise-like rash or splotchy skin
• Sensitivity to light
• Bulging of the soft spot on the skull (fontanelle) in babies

Have any baby checked by a doctor right away if they are very irritable, very sleepy, or eat poorly.

Tests that may be done include:

• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). This test takes a sample of spinal fluid from the low back. The fluid is tested for bacteria, virus, blood, and glucose. This is the best test to confirm this infection.
• CT scan or MRI. These tests are often done to look for other causes of symptoms before a spinal tap is done.
• Lab screening. Lab screening of blood, urine, and body secretions can find and identify infection. It can tell if there are antibodies and foreign proteins.

This infection must be treated as soon as possible. A child or adult with bacterial meningitis will be closely watched in the hospital. Medicines that fight infection (antibiotics) are given through an I.V. (intravenous) line. This is a tube put into a vein in the arm or hand. Other treatments may include draining infected fluid from the sinuses. And anti-seizure or steroid medicines to prevent seizures and reduce brain inflammation.

To help prevent this infection:

• Make sure you and your child get all recommended vaccines.
• Contact your doctor right away if you, your child, or a member of the household has been around anyone who has meningitis.