What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a rare infection that affects the delicate membranes -- called meninges -- that cover the brain and spinal cord. You or your children can catch it. There are several types of this disease, including bacterial, viral, and fungal. read more

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Other symptoms include confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises. read more

On average, bacterial meningitis caused about 4,100 cases and 500 deaths in the United States each year between 2003 and 2007. * These bacteria can also be associated with another serious illness, sepsis. read more