How do meningitis

Some risk factors for noninfectious meningitis include:. Learn about the meningitis vaccines here. The ways a person can get meningitis depend on what has caused it. Causes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, amebas, trauma, and medications. Infants can also get bacterial meningitis during childbirth. To protect themselves, people can try to keep up to date with vaccinations, be aware of potential sources of contamination in their immediate environment, and discuss risks and testing with a doctor.

People with stiff necks, severe headaches, changes in their thoughts or moods, and other serious symptoms should seek immediate medical care if they believe that they are at risk of getting meningitis.

Receiving early treatment can reduce the risk of dying and may help prevent long-term complications. In its later stages, meningitis can cause distinct marks on the skin that look like a rash. In this article, we look at the symptoms of meningitis and…. In the past, a brain abscess was almost certainly fatal, but thanks to progress in diagnosis and treatment, a person now has a good chance of survival….

Meningococcemia is a serious blood infection that causes a rash and other symptoms. Doctors can help prevent severe complications, including death…. Viruses exist almost everywhere, and they can infect any living organism. Here, learn more about viruses, how they work, and how to get protection. How does a person get meningitis?

Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M. Transmission Prevention Summary Meningitis refers to swelling and inflammation of the meninges, which make up a protective layer of membranes covering the brain. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Brain abscess: All you need to know. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, MD. Pneumococcal meningitis is a rare but serious and life-threatening form of bacterial meningitis.

Even with treatment, 20 percent of people with this type of infection die. About 40 percent of people carry bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae in their throat and the back of the nose. These bacteria are responsible for common illnesses like pneumonia, sinus infections, and ear infections.

From time to time, however, those bacteria manage to cross the blood-brain barrier and cause inflammation and infection in the brain, spinal cord, or fluids immediately surrounding them. Fortunately, two vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal meningitis. Learn more about them and other ways to prevent this deadly form of infection. People with an immune deficiency are more vulnerable to infections.

This includes the infections that cause meningitis. Certain disorders and treatments can weaken your immune system. Cryptococcal meningitis, which is caused by a fungus, is the most common form of meningitis in people with HIV. Meningitis is easily spread when people live in close quarters. Being in small spaces increase the chance of exposure. Examples of these locations include:.

Pregnant women have an increased risk of listeriosis , which is an infection caused by the Listeria bacteria. Infection can spread to the unborn child. All ages are at risk for meningitis. However, certain age groups have a higher risk. Children under the age of 5 are at increased risk of viral meningitis. Infants are at higher risk of bacterial meningitis.

Farm workers and others who work with animals have an increased risk of infection with Listeria. Aseptic meningitis is usually caused by a virus. Learn about aseptic meningitis symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention. Certain factors place young adults at increased risk of getting meningitis.

Learn about how lifestyle factors and vaccines can help you avoid this…. Vladimir Kernig found that many with meningitis weren't able to extend their knees past a degree angle without pain. This identifier was named the…. Meningitis B is a very serious disease that can progresses quickly. Learn about this vaccine, including its effectiveness, how it works, and who…. Carcinomatous meningitis is a complication of late stage cancer.

It develops when cancer cells spread to your brain or spinal cord from other parts of…. Meningitis B is a rare and potentially deadly type of bacterial meningitis.

Learn all about meningitis B, including symptoms to look for and how to…. Actor and advocate Molly Ringwald is using her voice to help raise awareness about the dangers of meningococcal meningitis, and how a second dose of…. Different vaccines can protect you from multiple strains of meningitis. But most people are only aware of one, leaving them vulnerable to the disease…. Like an adult with meningitis, a baby who gets this condition usually recovers with minimal treatment.

However, there are situations when…. If you suspect you may have meningitis, you may wonder if there is a specific meningitis test that you can have done. In fact, there are several…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. In infants In children In adults Tests or diagnosis? Prevention Complications Meningitis and pneumonia Risk factors What is meningitis? Other causes may include: cancer chemical irritation fungi drug allergies Some viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious.

What are the symptoms of meningitis? Share on Pinterest. Meningitis rash. Types of meningitis. What are the causes of meningitis? Is there a vaccine for meningitis? How is meningitis treated? How contagious is meningitis? Meningitis in infant. Meningitis in children. Meningitis in adults. How is meningitis diagnosed? How is meningitis prevented? What are the complications from meningitis? Meningitis and pneumonia.

What are the risk factors for meningitis? Read this next. Aseptic Meningitis. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Page last reviewed: 08 March Next review due: 08 March Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Several different viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, including: meningococcal bacteria — there are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z pneumococcal bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b Hib bacteria enteroviruses — viruses that usually only cause a mild stomach infection the mumps virus the herpes simplex virus — a virus that usually causes cold sores or genital herpes A number of meningitis vaccinations provide protection against many of the infections that can cause meningitis.

How meningitis is spread The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing coughing kissing The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, but are not ill themselves.

It's possible to get meningitis more than once.