Meningitis is inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
- Many different things can cause meningitis.
- An accurate diagnosis is important because treatment depends on the cause.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness that is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible.
- It is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis (or “Bacterial Meningitis”). It often causes meningitis, but it can also cause bloodstream infections, pneumonia, joint infections, and other illness.
- Up to one out of seven (10-14 percent) of those who get the disease die.
- Of those who survive, up to one out of five have permanent disabilities, such as deafness, brain damage, loss of limbs, or seizures.
Generally, it takes close or lengthy contact to spread the bacteria. It can be spread:
- By contact with secretions (saliva or spit) from the nose and throat.
- Through kissing, sharing silverware, drinking directly from the same container, sharing a cigarette or lipstick.
- By having close social contact (living in the same household).
It is not spread through casual contact, such as being in the same room or touching the same object.
It is not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.
Information for college students about meningococcal disease (Neisseria meningitidis, Bacterial Meningitis) and vaccine.
Information for travelers about meningococcal disease (Neisseria meningitidis, Bacterial Meningitis) and vaccine.
Prevention. Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis.
There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. All but the last are widely used in the United States.
- Meningococcal vaccines (N. meningitidis)
- Pneumococcal vaccines (S. pneumoniae)
- Hib vaccines (Haemophilus influenzae serotype b)
- Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine (M. tuberculosis)
Treatment. Healthcare providers treat bacterial meningitis with antibiotics. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible.