3. Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It’s often characterized by the itchy rash and blisters that develop as a result of the disease, but did you know that it can also be a cause of meningitis? Before the age of vaccines, many children would die from chickenpox, often as a result of meningitis that it caused.
Fortunately, in our modern age of medicine, those who are vaccinated are entirely safe from chickenpox and potential meningitis that could come alongside it. Much like with the MMR vaccine, there are some parents who refuse to get their children vaccinated for chickenpox.
These children remain at risk for contracting the disease and may develop meningitis after they get chickenpox. Headache, malaise, fever, and loss of appetite are characteristic symptoms of chickenpox. If you notice that your child is having these symptoms then you should take them to a hospital immediately before other complications such as meningitis develop.