Olga Syahputra and Glenn Fredly Died Because of Meningitis, Here are the Causes and Symptoms

Kapanlagi.com - Indonesian musician Glenn Fredly passed away on April 8, 2020 at the age of 44. Glenn Fredly was reported to have died at Setia Mitra Hospital, Cilandak, South Jakarta due to meningitis. Previously, this Jakarta-born man, born on September 30, 1975, was reported to have been hospitalized for a week before finally passing away.

The departure of the singer of Kisah Romantis has left a deep sorrow in the Indonesian entertainment industry. It was reported by Armand Maulana that this legendary singer had been suffering from meningitis for a long time.

Previously, presenter and comedian Olga Syahputra also died because of meningitis. This disease is not to be taken lightly. So what is meningitis exactly? What are the causes and symptoms?

Meningitis itself is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is mostly caused by viral infections. However, there are also cases caused by bacterial and fungal infections. For more details, here is a summary from kapanlagi.com about the types, causes, and symptoms of meningitis:

1. Understanding Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation that occurs in the protective layer that covers the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis has initial symptoms similar to the flu, such as fever and headache.

This disease occurs due to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Certain conditions, such as weakened immune system, can also trigger the onset of meningitis. In addition, meningitis can affect all age groups, from infants, children, adolescents, adults, to the elderly. Prompt and appropriate treatment should be carried out, as delayed treatment can lead to complications such as seizures and kidney failure.

2. Causes of Meningitis

Based on its cause, meningitis is caused by several types of bacteria such as:

-Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)

This bacteria is the most common cause in infants, young children, and adults. This type of bacteria also often causes pneumonia or ear or sinus infections. These bacteria are usually found in the nose, sinuses, and respiratory tract. However, it can still be prevented by using vaccines.

-Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)

Neisseria meningitidis is a bacteria that commonly causes upper respiratory tract infections, but can cause meningococcal meningitis when the bacteria enters the bloodstream. This bacteria is contagious and affects teenagers and adults. It spreads through saliva or respiratory tract mucus.

-Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus)

This type of bacteria used to be the main cause of bacterial meningitis in children. However, it can be prevented after the discovery of a new Hib vaccine, which can address this problem.

-Listeria monocytogenes (listeria)

Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are highly vulnerable to this bacterial infection. This bacteria can be found in cheese, melon, and raw vegetables.

-Viral meningitis

Viral meningitis usually has mild symptoms and often resolves on its own. Most cases of meningitis are caused by herpes simplex virus, HIV, gonorrhea, West Nile virus, and others. These viruses can spread through the air, such as when sneezing or coughing, as well as by touching contaminated objects.

-Chronic meningitis

Slow-growing fungi can attack the membranes and fluid around the brain and can cause chronic meningitis. Chronic meningitis develops over two weeks or more, with symptoms such as headache, fever, and vomiting.

-Fungal infection meningitis

This type of meningitis is known to not be contagious from person to person. Generally, meningitis caused by cryptococcal fungal infection can affect people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. This type of meningitis is commonly found in animal feces such as birds and bats. Fungal spread can occur through soil or inhaled dust.

3. Symptoms of Meningitis

The symptoms of meningitis are similar to the flu (influenza). However, these symptoms worsen every day. The symptoms that need to be watched out for include:

-High fever

-Stiff neck

-Seizures

-Rash

-Severe headache

-Sensitivity to light

-Excessive sleepiness

-Difficulty concentrating

-Decreased appetite

4. Prevention

Early prevention in meningitis is crucial to reduce the spread of infection. Other prevention measures can be taken by adopting a healthy lifestyle to avoid the virus. Some steps that can be taken include:

Getting enough rest, avoiding excessive fatigue and staying up late, avoiding cigarette smoke, maintaining health through regular exercise, choosing healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits, avoiding unpasteurized foods, and most importantly, always washing hands and using masks to protect oneself.

Another action to take if experiencing meningitis symptoms is to consult a doctor immediately. It is important not to delay treatment if experiencing persistent fever and headache. Delaying medical examination will increase the risk of brain damage or even death.

(kpl/dtm/gen)