1. By: Maryam M. and Briawna S.

2.  Meningitis is a inflammation of the spinal and cranial meninges caused by bacterial or viral infection.

3.  Known as far back as BC times in Ancient Greece by Hippocrates, more information later revealed Avicenna. Sir Robert Whytt described it as “dropsy of the brain” in the 1700s, now known as tuberculosis meningitis. Wasn’t until the late 1800s that the agent was found to be bacteria. First outbreak occurs in 1805, later more drastic one in Nigeria and Ghana from 1905 to 1908.

4.  You should exercise regularly and drink lots of water to reduce the problem.

5.  Some signs of meningitis are: severe headache, fever, light and sound sensitivity, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and more.  Bacteria would be an environmental factor

6.  Viral Infections can be treated with antiviral medicine if severe, whereas a bacterial infection can be treated or prevented by antibiotics or a vaccine.  There are two kinds of meningococcal vaccines, each of which can prevent up to four types of meningococcal meningitis. Those would be an example of short term treatment.

7.  It impacts an individual because if the bacteria in meningitis spreads from an infected tissue or bloodstream it can produce minor symptoms such as headache, slight fever or sleepiness.  It can have lasting effects on a person's ability to think and learn  It may also cause hearing loss.

8.  It isn’t really a big threat to the family because its not highly contagious. It can still be transmitted to other family members, if the family shares foods or drinks with the ill person.

9.  70 percent or more of bacterial meningitis cases were fatal, with antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate has dropped to 15 percent or less. 1,400 to 3,000 Americans each year get diagnosed with this disease  Many people recover from the infection without permanent damage. And the illness is so rare, you may never know anyone who gets it.

10.  Meningitis is caused by both bacteria and viruses  Bacterial meningitis is contagious  90% of people survive

11. http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbmeni ng.htm http://www.meningitisuk.org/meningitis/ed ucation/quiz/meningitis-quiz-1/answers.htm http://www.meningitis.org/disease- info/types-causes/meningoccal-disease http://www.vna.org/myh_meningitis_FAQ.as px