Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain and spinal chord. There are two types of meningitis–bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis. Viral Meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and generally goes away by itself. Bacterial Meningitis, while much rarer, is considered a medical emergency and must be treated very quickly.
Although most people recover, even with appropriate treatment, up to 1 in 10 bacterial meningitis patients will not survive, sometimes perishing within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms.
College students are at risk for meningitis due to being in close quarters with others and often sharing food and drinks.
How is meningitis spread?
Meningitis spreads from person-to-person by coughing or coming into close or lengthy contact with someone who is sick or who carries the bacteria. Contact includes kissing, sharing drinks, or living together. Up to one in 10 people carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick.
What are symptoms of meningitis?
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
There are often other symptoms, such as
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light)
- Altered mental status (confusion)
How do you know if you have meningitis?
You have to see a doctor to be sure. If healthcare providers suspect meningitis, they may collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid surrounding the spinal cord). Then laboratories can perform specific tests, depending on the type of infection suspected. Knowing the specific cause is important because treatment differs depending on the cause.
Is there treatment?
Early diagnosis of meningitis is very important. If it is caught early, bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics. Bacterial infections spread very quickly–it is crucial that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Most people need to be cared for in a hospital due to seriousness of bacterial meningitis.
Is there a vaccine to prevent bacterial meningitis?
There is a vaccine for bacterial meningitis. BEXSERO is a vaccine approved for 10- through 25-year-olds to prevent meningococcal group B disease (meningitis B). Learn more about the meningitis vaccine options.
Learn more about meningitis
