How is Meningitis caught?

Meningitis is contagious. Prolonged close contact can spread the bacteria that cause meningitis. read more

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges (membranes) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This is not to be confused with Encephalitis, which is the inflammation of the brain itself. Meningitis is the result of a virus, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection. Meningitis can also occur from cancer and a chemical reaction from drug allergies. read more

For example, meningitis can be caused by head injuries, brain surgery and some cancers, the CDC says. Meningitis that is caused by fungi is not contagious. The people sickened in the recent fungal meningitis outbreak are thought to have become infected when they were injected with a steroid drug that was contaminated with fungus. read more

If meningitis is caught early enough a patient can make a full recovery with few or no lingering effects. But the best way to combat meningitis is to prevent it through vaccination and sound health practices. read more