Health Library: Meningitis
Issue date: 1/13/09 Section: News
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What is meningitis?
Meningitis means inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord called the meninges. It often occurs when an infection elsewhere in the body spreads through the blood and into the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that circulates in the spaces in and around the brain and spinal cord). People can get meningitis at any age.
Most cases of meningitis are caused by viruses (viral meningitis) or bacteria (bacterial meningitis), but fungi and other organisms can also cause infectious meningitis. Some cases of meningitis result from head injuries, certain cancers or other diseases as well as reactions to medications.
Viral meningitis is caused by enteroviruses, which are very common in summer and early fall. These viruses can spread through contact with saliva, mucus or feces. People can spread the virus when they touch surfaces others will touch or when they sneeze without covering their mouths. Enteroviruses begin to multiply in the digestive tract and can spread through the body to cause meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is a more severe form of the infection. If it isn't treated promptly, it can cause brain damage and, in some circumstances, even death. The most common bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. People can spread them through throat and respiratory secretions - for example, by coughing.
After a person is started on antibiotic treatment for meningitis, the infection can still be spread to others for at least 24 hours.
One form of bacterial meningitis is related to Lyme disease. Lyme meningitis is generally less severe than other forms of bacterial meningitis and is not fatal.
Signs and symptoms
Some symptoms of both viral and bacterial meningitis are:
-Fever
-Stiff neck
-Severe headache
-Sensitivity to light
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