Difference Between Encephalitis and Meningitis

Encephalitis and meningitis are two diseases that children are more likely to get, and they are two relatively serious diseases. Children will feel headaches before getting these two diseases, and they will also have some mental and consciousness disorders. Both diseases are caused by inflammation and occur in the brain. If they are not treated in time, they can easily cause dementia. So what are the differences between encephalitis and meningitis?

Encephalitis is mainly an inflammatory response caused by the invasion of brain parenchyma by pathogens, which may cause mental symptoms, epileptic seizures, impaired consciousness or limb movement and sensory disorders. Meningitis is an inflammatory reaction caused by invasion of the meninges and pia mater tissues, which can cause symptoms of meningeal irritation such as severe headache, stiff neck, and vomiting.

How meningococci are spread

Transmission route Hong Kong Yu Li Health reminds that people who have close contact with infected people are at higher risk. Close contacts include: family members; people who have been in contact with the patient in day care centers; people who have had direct contact with the patient's oral secretions; and people who frequently sleep and eat with the patient in the same residence. In addition, certain people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of infection. Other risk factors include previous infection with other viruses, living in crowded conditions, suffering from chronic diseases, smoking and inhaling second-hand smoke.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease

Clinical symptoms vary; severe illness may occur when the bacteria invade the blood (meningococcemia) or the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis). Symptoms of meningococcemia include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, bruising, shock and, in severe cases, even death. Symptoms of epidemic meningitis include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck and drowsiness; vomiting, photophobia or rash may also occur. In severe cases, it may cause brain damage or death. Brain damage can result in impaired intelligence, delayed intellectual development, deafness, and electrolyte imbalances. Invasive meningococcal infection may also cause arthritis, myocarditis, endophthalmitis or pneumonia.

Meningococcal Prevention:

Meningococcal vaccines are available. There are currently four registered meningococcal vaccines in Hong Kong (one bivalent and three quadrivalent). The quadrivalent vaccine can protect against meningococcal types A, C, Y and W135. Suitable for ages 9 months to 55 years. The meningitis vaccine injected in the mainland can only protect against groups A and C.

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