Overview
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. In South Korea, meningitis is considered a medical emergency, with prompt diagnosis and treatment critical to prevent severe complications or death. Vaccination programs, rapid diagnostics, and specialized hospital care have significantly reduced morbidity and mortality from meningitis in the country.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis occurs when the meninges become inflamed, usually due to infection. It can be classified into:
- Bacterial meningitis – often severe, potentially life-threatening, and requires urgent antibiotics.
- Viral meningitis – typically milder and self-limiting.
- Fungal or parasitic meningitis – rarer, usually in immunocompromised individuals.
Meningitis affects people of all ages, with infants, young children, and elderly adults at higher risk.
Symptoms
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck or difficulty moving the neck
- High fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Altered mental status (confusion, drowsiness)
- Seizures in severe cases
- Rash (petechial or purpuric) in meningococcal meningitis
Causes
- Bacterial infections: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Viral infections: Enteroviruses, mumps virus, herpes simplex virus
- Fungal infections: Cryptococcus in immunocompromised patients
- Parasitic or non-infectious causes (rare)
Risk Factors
- Infants and young children
- Elderly adults
- Immunocompromised individuals (HIV, chemotherapy, organ transplant)
- Close living quarters (schools, dormitories, military)
- Lack of vaccination against Hib, pneumococcus, or meningococcus
- Travel to regions with meningitis outbreaks
Complications
- Brain damage and cognitive impairment
- Hearing loss or vision problems
- Seizures
- Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain)
- Septicemia and multi-organ failure in severe bacterial cases
- Death if untreated or treatment is delayed
Prevention
- Vaccination:
- Hib, pneumococcal, meningococcal, and MMR vaccines as per national schedule
- Good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals
- Prompt medical care for upper respiratory infections
- Awareness of meningitis outbreaks in schools or communities
- Prophylactic antibiotics for close contacts of bacterial meningitis cases
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea provides advanced medical care for meningitis through hospitals, pediatric clinics, and infectious disease specialists.
- Diagnosis
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- Blood cultures and PCR tests for pathogen identification
- Imaging (CT or MRI) in cases with complications or unclear diagnosis
- Medical Management
- Bacterial meningitis: intravenous antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone, vancomycin)
- Viral meningitis: supportive care (hydration, rest, pain/fever control)
- Fungal meningitis: antifungal therapy for immunocompromised patients
- Corticosteroids in select bacterial cases to reduce inflammation
- Supportive Care
- Fluids and electrolytes
- Pain and fever management
- ICU care for severe or complicated cases
- Hospitals & Specialized Care in Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH): Pediatric and adult infectious disease units
- Samsung Medical Center (SMC): Advanced diagnostic labs and ICU management
- Asan Medical Center (AMC): Multidisciplinary approach with neurology, infectious disease, and rehabilitation
- Public health centers coordinate vaccination campaigns and outbreak control
- Follow-Up Care
- Hearing tests for children recovering from bacterial meningitis
- Neurological assessment and rehabilitation if needed
- Education for families on signs of recurrence or complications
