[Health Tip] 'Meningitis' Easily Confused with Cold and Gastroenteritis... Children Should Be Careful in Summer

Shows similar symptoms but relatively severe
Prevention through personal hygiene such as handwashing is necessary

Meningitis shows symptoms similar to common colds or enteritis but tends to be relatively more severe. If a child has a high fever and headache, it is important to carefully observe whether it is a simple cold or meningitis.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] Meningitis symptoms are very similar to those of a cold, often easily mistaken for a "summer cold." It also resembles COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever and headache. Especially during the summer, cases increase, and children under 10 years old are more susceptible. Most cases improve without special treatment, but acute complications can occur, so caution is necessary.

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on the 6th, in 2020, the total number of outpatient and inpatient hospital visits due to meningitis was 43,648 days, of which children aged 0-9 accounted for 15.5% (6,804 days).

The meninges literally refer to the membranes surrounding the brain, which protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis occurs when these meninges become infected and inflamed by viruses or bacteria. Enteroviruses account for 80% of all viral meningitis cases.

Meningitis caused by enteroviruses mainly occurs in summer and early autumn. It usually has an incubation period of about 4 to 6 days. The main symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting. A sudden high fever above 38 degrees Celsius occurs, and headaches cause pain in the front of the head or throughout the entire head.

Most viral meningitis cases improve without special treatment. However, if the brain tissue (brain parenchyma) is affected, about 10% of patients under 2 years old may experience acute complications such as seizures or increased intracranial pressure.

In the case of bacterial meningitis, antibiotic administration is essential. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis are the most common bacteria causing bacterial meningitis. For prevention, Hib vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and meningococcal vaccine are helpful.

Professor Kim Youngdae of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents at Ilsan Paik Hospital said, “Since meningitis symptoms are similar to those of a cold, parents need to carefully observe whether their child has a simple cold or meningitis,” adding, “Although symptoms resemble those of a common cold or enteritis, meningitis symptoms tend to be relatively severe.”

Professor Kim continued, “As the heatwave continues, children with weakened immune systems become more vulnerable to viral infections,” emphasizing, “To prevent many infectious diseases in summer, including meningitis, eye infections, and food poisoning, personal hygiene management such as hand washing, eating cooked food, drinking boiled water, and managing kitchen utensils is necessary.”