Meningitis: Understanding Types, Causes & Potential Risks

Meningitis is a rare but potentially serious illness that causes the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed.

Types

• While the most common type of meningitis comes in a viral form, bacterial and fungal meningitis exist.

Viral vs. Bacterial

• Viral, or aseptic, meningitis typically comes and goes within a week or two with few, if any, lasting effects. Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, is more likely to inflict serious consequences, such as severe brain damage and death.

Symptoms

• Meningitis symptoms vary, but the most common symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, painful headaches, sensitivity to light, confusion, tiredness and vomiting.

Spread of Meningitis

• Bacterial and viral meningitis can be contagious. Viral meningitis is transferred more easily. Viral meningitis can be passed through a handshake or contact with an object that an infected person has touched. Bacterial meningitis is passed through only close physical contact.

Vaccines

• Vaccines exist for certain strains of all the major types of bacterial meningitis-Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The Hib vaccine is most effective in children; the other vaccines are recommended for adults.