While there are several types of meningitis, this information section describes the three most common ones.

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is the most severe type of meningitis. The bacteria pass from person to person. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common types of bacteria that cause this infection in the United States are Haemophilus influenzae (most often caused by type b, Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Listeria monocytogenes (in newborns), and Neisseria meningitidis.

Statistics show that between 2003 and 2007, there were approximately 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis each year in the U.S. Five hundred cases per year result in death.

Viral Meningitis

Viral infections are the most common cause of the infection but viral meningitis is not usually as severe as bacterial meningitis and people generally get better without treatment.

Although anyone can come down with viral meningitis, children under 5 years old and people who have compromised immune systems, either from illness or medications taken to treat some diseases, are at higher risk.

Viral illnesses such as mumps and influenza (the flu) can lead to viral meningitis.

Fungal Meningitis

Fungal meningitis is the rarest of the three. For fungal meningitis to develop, a fungal infection must spread through the bloodstream to the spinal canal. A fungal infection can occur by inhaling the fungus or it can also enter the body in other ways. A fungal meningitis outbreak began in September 2012 when patients received contaminated medication into the spinal canal by injection. As with the viral infection, the people at highest risk of developing the fungal type are the immunocompromised, such as people who have AIDS or who have cancer.

Symptoms can come on very suddenly. They include:

• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Fever

Other symptoms can include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Confusion

Symptoms may be difficult to determine in very young children as they may not be able to tell you what is wrong. Signs that they may be ill can include irritability, difficulty waking, difficulty feeding, and fever.

Acute meningitis is a medical emergency and needs treatment in a hospital.

Aside from the symptoms, doctors must do a few tests to make an accurate diagnosis. They may include:

• Blood cultures. This blood test involves placing blood in a special lab dish to see if anything grows.
• Chest x-rays
• CT scans of the head
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is tested.

Treatment with antibiotics for bacterial meningitis must start as soon as possible. According to the CDC, “Appropriate antibiotic treatment of the most common types of bacterial meningitis should reduce the risk of dying from meningitis to below 15%, although the risk remains higher among young infants and the elderly.” In some cases, patients may receive medications called corticosteroids to help reduce the inflammation of the meninges.

Antibiotics do not help in cases of viral infections.  Doctors monitor people with viral meningitis. Most recover completely within seven to 10 days.

Anti-fungal medications, given by intravenous (IV), treat fungal meningitis. Depending on how severe the illness is, the treatment can be quite lengthy.

The HiB vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type B) and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended childhood vaccines. These routine immunization are given regularly to children in many countries, including the United States.

The HiB vaccine was introduced to the United States in the 1980s. The vaccine is three or four doses, depending on the brand given. The CDC recommends that children receive the first two doses at two months and four months. Some brands then have a third dose at six months. A final dose is at 12 to 15 months. Since the vaccine has become routine, the incidence of severe HiB infections has dropped by 99 percent.

The pneumococcal vaccine prevents infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause meningitis. Children receive the vaccine in early childhood in four doses: at two months, four months, and six months. A booster shot is at 12 to 15 months.

A pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine may be given to anyone over two years old who has an illness that affects their immune system and to people over age 65.

Bacterial meningitis from Neisseria meningitidis spreads through close contact, such as kissing or sharing glasses and utensils. Good hygiene practices, including proper hand washing, will  decrease the chances of spreading the bacteria. If you were in close contact with someone diagnosed with the bacterial infection, speak with your doctor. Sometimes, antibiotics may prevent illness.

Meningitis, particularly bacterial meningitis, can cause sepsis, which can develop into septic shock, resulting in death.

Survivors may recover completely, while others may have complications such as hearing loss, seizures, and more.