“We deeply regret the death of María Herranz, a gymnast from the Ruditramp Club who represented us in the last World Championship for ages in trampoline gymnastics. Our deepest condolences to family and friends. Spanish gymnastics will always remember you,” says the Royal Spanish Federation Gymnastics in 𝕏”
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges, according to Mayo Clinic.
Causes
Viral infections are the main cause of meningitis, and they usually improve without treatment. However, bacterial infections are very serious and can be fatal or cause brain damage, even with proper treatment. To determine the specific cause, a lumbar or spinal puncture is performed.
In addition to infections, meningitis can be caused by various factors, such as chemical irritation, drug allergies, fungi, parasites, and tumors.
There are several types of viruses that can cause meningitis, including:
- Enteroviruses: which can also cause intestinal diseases.
- Herpes virus: which can manifest as cold or genital herpes, although these conditions do not increase the risk of developing herpes meningitis.
- HIV.
- Mumps virus.
- West Nile virus, transmitted by mosquitoes and a significant cause of viral meningitis in much of the United States.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms of meningitis They may be similar to those of the flu. Symptoms can last several hours or a few days.
Possible symptoms in anyone over two years of age include the following:
- Sudden high fever.
- Neck stiffness.
- Intense headache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
- Seizures.
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking up.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Lack of appetite or thirst.
- Cutaneous rash in some cases, as in meningococcal meningitis.
