With cases of meningococcal disease (meningitis) on the rise in the United States, many of us have questions. You might want to know the symptoms to watch for, how it spreads, and if you or your loved ones are at risk. You may also wonder what to do if you get sick.
While the risk of catching meningitis in the U.S. is low, it can quickly become life threatening if left untreated. If you have symptoms of meningitis, it’s important to seek medical attention right away by going to the nearest emergency room.
Below, we’ll explain the signs, symptoms and treatment options for the most common types of meningitis. We’ll also go over the best ways to prevent meningitis to help keep you and your loved ones healthy.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is the inflammation or infection of the layers of tissue (meninges) surrounding your brain or spinal cord.
Types and causes of meningitis
You may have heard of viral and bacterial meningitis. But parasites, fungi, certain medicines and medical conditions can also cause meningitis. And symptoms, how it spreads and who is at risk varies with the type of meningitis.
Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis in the United States. It’s caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses that can be found in your intestines and it may cause colds, sore throats and upset stomach.
Anyone can get viral meningitis, but it’s most common in babies and young children. Although it’s rarely life threatening, it can make you feel very sick. Most children fully recover, but some can have long-term effects like headaches, exhaustion and memory loss.
Viral meningitis is usually not contagious and linked cases are very uncommon. People generally get better without treatment, and it’s rarely fatal. But if you have a weakened immune system, you may be more susceptible to viral meningitis and have more severe symptoms.
Bacterial meningitis
Many kinds of bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, but the most common are meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal bacteria live in the back of your throat and are usually harmless, but they can occasionally get into the blood stream and cause meningitis or sepsis (organ failure due to the body’s response to infection), which can be life threatening. It’s very important to seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one may have bacterial meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis can affect anyone at any age, but it’s most common in babies, young children and teenagers. Bacterial meningitis is contagious through saliva and is spread by close and sustained contact with coughing, sneezing or person-to-person contact like kissing.
Fungal meningitis
Fungal meningitis is very rare. It develops slowly with vague symptoms like fatigue or headaches before more specific meningitis symptoms appear. It usually affects people who have a compromised immune system due to another medical condition or infection, drug therapy or cancer treatment.
Parasitic meningitis
Parasitic meningitis is extremely rare. Some parasites found in soil, water, poop, or raw or undercooked foods can cause meningitis. One cause that has gained notoriety is naegleria fowleri (also known as the brain-eating amoeba), which lives in warm, fresh water lakes or ponds and very rarely, poorly maintained swimming pools. Less than 10 people a year get this in the United States. Young males have the highest risk of contracting this type of meningitis. But coming in contact with contaminated water that could carry the disease is extremely rare.
Other causes of meningitis
Meningitis can also have noninfectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases (like sarcoidosis). Noninfectious meningitis is not contagious, so it can’t be spread from person to person.
Who’s most at risk for getting meningitis?
Risk factors for meningitis vary by type. But generally, you’re at an increased risk for meningitis if you:
- Are under 20 years old
- Haven’t received the meningococcal vaccine or skipped a meningococcal vaccine booster
- Live in a community setting like a dorm or military base
- Have a weakened immune system or take medications that suppress your immune system
Signs you may have meningitis
Meningitis symptoms may develop over several hours or a few days. People of all ages can get meningitis, but symptoms can be different in babies than in children and adults.
Signs of meningitis in newborns and infants
If you think your newborn or infant may have been exposed to meningitis look for:
- Constant crying (even when held) and hard to comfort
- Inactivity, sluggishness and trouble waking up from sleep
- Poor feeding or not waking to eat
- A bulge in the soft spot on top of baby’s head
- Stiffness in the body and neck
Signs of meningitis for children over the age of two and adults
For children and adults, early meningitis symptoms may be similar to the flu but can also include:
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Sleepiness
- Headache or sensitivity to light
- Lack of appetite or thirst
Meningitis symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
You should seek medical care immediately if you have contact with someone who has meningitis, or if you or a loved one has meningitis symptoms, such as:
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache that won’t go away
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Dealing with the symptoms and treatment for meningitis can have a big impact on daily life, so it’s important for everyone – especially infants, children, senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals – to protect themselves by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated against meningitis.
Vaccines offer the best protection from meningitis
There are a few types of meningitis vaccines that can protect against some forms of bacterial meningitis. They usually fall into one of these two categories:
- Meningococcal vaccines are the most common and recommended for preteens, teens, children and adults at increased risk.
- Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for people who are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease, including people with chronic respiratory or heart disease, and those with cochlear implants.
Your primary care doctor will be able to tell you what options are appropriate for you and your family. See the full list of vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children.
People who shouldn’t get the meningitis vaccine
Meningitis vaccines are safe for most children and adults, but there are times when getting vaccinated isn’t recommended. You shouldn’t get a meningitis vaccine if you have a life-threatening allergy to any part of the meningococcal or pneumococcal vaccines; or have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after getting either vaccine.
Antibiotics for meningitis prevention
Antibiotics are the first line of defense after you’ve been exposed to meningitis, but they need to be taken right away to be the most effective. If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has meningitis, your clinician may recommend a course of antibiotics to help keep you from catching it.
Other ways to prevent meningitis
You can reduce your risk of meningitis by practicing good hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and wash your hands frequently. Also, avoid sharing drinks, food and personal items (like your toothbrush) with anyone else.
Common tests used to diagnose meningitis
To diagnose meningitis your clinician will look at your medical history and perform a physical exam. During the exam, they may check for signs of infection around the head, ears, throat and spine. They may also perform certain tests to help confirm or rule out different types of meningitis, including:
- Blood cultures
- CT scan or MRI
- Imaging
- Nasal or throat swab
- Spinal tap
If you’re diagnosed with meningitis, a full recovery is possible with early treatment, even for severe cases. Treatment options will vary depending on the type and underlying cause. But our infectious disease specialists will focus on providing the right treatments to help manage your symptoms, recover faster and prevent future illness.
Get treatment immediately if you think you or a loved one has meningitis
Complications from meningitis can be severe, including seizures, neurological damage, hearing loss and even death. If you have symptoms of meningitis, it’s important to seek medical attention right away by going to the nearest emergency room.