Meningitis Awareness

Bacterial Meningitis

A number of types of bacteria can cause acute bacterial meningitis.

They include:

• Pneumococcus. This bacterium is the most common cause of meningitis in adults and children. It most often occurs when the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus) enters your bloodstream and migrates to your brain and spinal cord. You may also have this type of bacteria in your lungs, where it causes pneumonia. Pneumococcal meningitis can also result from an ear infection.
• Meningococcus. This bacterium is another common cause of meningitis in children under age 5, in teens and in young adults. The incidence of meningococcal meningitis is increasing among college-aged students, especially those living in dormitories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of cases among 15- to 24-year-olds doubled between 1991 and 1997. Meningococcal meningitis commonly occurs when bacteria from an upper respiratory infection enter your bloodstream. It's highly contagious and may cause localized epidemics in college dormitories, boarding schools and on military bases . Acute bacterial meningitis also can occur when bacteria invade the meninges directly, rather than through the bloodstream. Common causes include ear or sinus infections and skull fractures. There are some vaccines available ask your doctor if you are living in a group environment.

Viral Meningitis

Also called aseptic meningitis, viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. Common intestinal viruses cause about half the cases in the United States. Viruses associated with mumps, herpes infection or other diseases can also cause viral meningitis. In some cases, you or your child may pick up viral meningitis from polluted water.