Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is also referred to as spinal meningitis.
Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses, but meningitis can also be caused by physical injury, cancer or certain drugs.
The severity of illness and the treatment for meningitis differ depending on the cause. Thus, it is important to know the specific cause of meningitis. For example, bacterial meningitis is usually more severe than viral, fungal, or parasitic meningitis. Although it can be very serious, bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics that can prevent severe illness and reduce the spread of infection from person to person.
Meningitis Topics
About Meningitis
Risk factors, questions & answers, causes, transmission, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, meningococcal photos
Meningococcal Vaccination
Information on getting vaccinated....
People Most at Risk
Pre-teens, College Freshmen, Travelers...
Clinical Information
Causes of meningitis, Technical and Clinical Information, Vaccine Resources…
Laboratory Information
Reference Lab, Meningitis Pathogens, Lab Manual...
Meningitis in Other Countries
Bacterial Meningitis in Other Countries, Epidemics in Africa...
Meningococcal Vaccination
Meningococcal Vaccines: What You Need to Know
This one-page CDC vaccine information statement explains who should get meningococcal vaccine and when.
Meningococcal Vaccine Basics
Offers comprehensive information about meningococcal vaccines and other educational tools.
Vaccine Safety
As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue or a vague feeling of discomfort.
Meningococcal Disease Recommendations
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Transmission
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is contagious. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (for example, through coughing or kissing).
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is contagious. The viruses that most often cause viral meningitis are spread person to person through fecal contamination (such as by someone who uses the toilet or changes a baby’s diaper and does not wash her/his hands well afterward).
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