Health authorities in the Greek city of Patra are on high alert after a third case of meningitis was detected in a university student.
According to information from tempo24, the 20-year-old student is currently hospitalised in critical condition at the "Agios Andreas" hospital and is expected to be transferred to the University Hospital of Patra.
The incident has caused considerable concern among scientists and students alike. It is worth noting that this is the third case of meningitis to be reported in a student of the University of Patras in recent months.
The 20-year-old student was found in poor condition at home by his parents.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation causes changes in the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds these organs.
Meningitis can be caused by bacteria (most commonly) or viruses. The most common cause is viruses, and in this case (viral meningitis), patients often recover without any treatment. On the other hand, when meningitis is caused by bacteria (bacterial meningitis), it is quite serious and can lead to brain damage or even death without treatment.
Depending on the microbe that causes them, meningitis also has a corresponding name: e.g. meningococcal meningitis (caused by meningococcus), pneumococcal meningitis (caused by pneumococcus), etc.
Other causes of meningitis include fungi (cryptococcus, usually in AIDS patients), chemical irritation, drug allergies, injuries, tumors/metastases, etc.
Symptoms of Meningitis
The symptoms of meningitis can vary depending on the cause, but they often include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Seizures
