Mathematical Modeling of Meningitis

Abstract

Meningitis is acute inflammation of the brain and spinal cord coverings, caused by viral or bacterial infections, or occasionally, medications. It poses a severe risk to life due to its proximity to vital neurological structures. Symptoms include headache, neck stiffness, fever, confusion, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. In children, symptoms like irritability and drowsiness are common, and the presence of a rash may indicate specific causes such as meningococcal infection. Mathematical modeling, especially SIR modeling, helps understand disease dynamics and informs intervention strategies. This paper examines meningitis models and methods for find the basic reproduction number (ℛ0).