Pitt Hit with Meningitis
The good news: Brad Pitt doesn't have the ebola. The bad news: the 'flu-like symptoms' that led to the actor's hospitalization this week are more serious than a bad cold--he has viral meningitis.
Pitt, who checked himself into Los Angeles' Cedars Sinai Medical Center Monday, after returning from an African excursion with Angelina Jolie, was discharged Wednesday after being diagnosed with the ailment, publicist Cindy Guagenti said in a statement.
He is said to be convalescing at home and 'doing well,' and is expected to make a full recovery.
Viral meningitis, which is usually associated with the same viruses that trigger stomach flu but can also be transferred via a mosquito bite, is an infection that causes an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is not life-threatening, especially for those with strong immune systems. Symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck and a rash, can persist for over a week.
On Wednesday, Guagenti described Pitt's case as 'mild.'
The condition is usually diagnosed via blood work; Guagenti said Tuesday that Pitt was undergoing tests to determine the nature of his illness.
Pitt's surprise trip to the emergency room came just days after he joined his Mr. and Mrs. Smith costar on a trip to Ethiopia, where she picked up her newly adopted daughter, Zahara.
Guagenti said it is not known if Pitt, 41, contracted the meningitis during his visit to Africa.
The Africa sojourn once again sparked talk that Pitt, who is in the midst of divorcing Jennifer Aniston, is romantically involved with the twice-divorced Jolie. Pitt and Jolie, pictured playing together with her son, Maddox, at her British estate in last week's People magazine, have routinely denied rumors of a romance.
In any case, all the speculation about their relationship has paid off handsomely at the box office. Mr. and Mrs. Smith has so far grossed more than $150 million domestically and another $122 million abroad since its release June 10.
Pitt, who checked himself into Los Angeles' Cedars Sinai Medical Center Monday, after returning from an African excursion with Angelina Jolie, was discharged Wednesday after being diagnosed with the ailment, publicist Cindy Guagenti said in a statement.
He is said to be convalescing at home and 'doing well,' and is expected to make a full recovery.
Viral meningitis, which is usually associated with the same viruses that trigger stomach flu but can also be transferred via a mosquito bite, is an infection that causes an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is not life-threatening, especially for those with strong immune systems. Symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck and a rash, can persist for over a week.
On Wednesday, Guagenti described Pitt's case as 'mild.'
The condition is usually diagnosed via blood work; Guagenti said Tuesday that Pitt was undergoing tests to determine the nature of his illness.
Pitt's surprise trip to the emergency room came just days after he joined his Mr. and Mrs. Smith costar on a trip to Ethiopia, where she picked up her newly adopted daughter, Zahara.
Guagenti said it is not known if Pitt, 41, contracted the meningitis during his visit to Africa.
The Africa sojourn once again sparked talk that Pitt, who is in the midst of divorcing Jennifer Aniston, is romantically involved with the twice-divorced Jolie. Pitt and Jolie, pictured playing together with her son, Maddox, at her British estate in last week's People magazine, have routinely denied rumors of a romance.
In any case, all the speculation about their relationship has paid off handsomely at the box office. Mr. and Mrs. Smith has so far grossed more than $150 million domestically and another $122 million abroad since its release June 10.
