The meningitis is one of the most dangerous diseases in childhood, because it can leave serious consequences and may even endanger the life of the child. The meninges are membranes covering the nervous system, and are responsible for preventing the entry of microorganisms, as well as generating the so-called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which protects the spinal cord and brain from shocks and any other damage. When virus or bacteria get reach the meninges or the aforementioned liquid produces an inflammation of the same which we call the meningitis.
An infection in another part of the body, a head injury or infection through another child can cause meningitis. The chickenpox, the flu, a cold or measles can end up causing viral meningitis, which are the most benign and represent the majority of cases of meningitis in children.
While bacterial meningitis is the most serious, and caused by meningococcus, Haemophilus influenzae. Meningitis can also be caused by fungi.
We say that this disease is more dangerous in children because their immune system is not yet fully developed and more vulnerable to infection. As the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord the infection can spread quickly throughout the central system, so damage can be very serious.