Meningitis is a swelling of the membranes around the spinal cord and brain. It can be caused by fungi, parasites, or even injury. Most often, it's caused by viral or bacterial infection. Children are especially vulnerable to bacterial meningitis.
Symptoms begin within a week after exposure. Common symptoms include headache, fever, and skin rash. Some types of meningitis are even life-threatening. You should consult your doctor if you suspect you have an infection.
Whether meningitis is contagious or not depends on the cause and the type.
Fungal meningitis is usually caused by a type of fungus called Cryptococcus. This rare type of meningitis is most likely to strike people with weak immune systems. Fungal meningitis is not contagious.
Parasitic meningitis is extremely rare and life-threatening. It's caused by a microscopic amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. This parasite enters the body through the nose, usually in contaminated lakes and rivers. You can't get it by drinking contaminated water and it isn't contagious.
Meningitis isn't always the result of an infection. It can develop as a result of head injury or brain surgery. It can also be caused by certain medications, lupus, or cancer. Non-infectious meningitis is not contagious.
Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it's not usually life-threatening.
The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces. They easily spread through coughing and sneezing. Direct or indirect contact with an infected person increases your risk of getting the same virus.
But while you may become infected with the virus, you're unlikely to develop meningitis as a complication.
Arboviruses that cause meningitis can be transmitted through insects like mosquitos and ticks. Infection is most likely to occur in summer and early fall.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness and can be life-threatening. It's most often caused by Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Both are contagious. Meningococcal bacteria can't survive outside the body for long, so you're unlikely to get it from being near someone who has it.
Prolonged close contact with an infected person may increase risk of transmission. This is a concern in daycare centers, schools, and college dormitories.
The bacteria can also spread through:
Some of us have meningitis-causing bacteria in our throats or noses. Even if we don't get sick, we can still spread it to others.
According to the World Health Organization, the incubation period is between two and 10 days. The largest concentration of meningococcal disease is in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the CDC, about 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis are reported each year in the United States.
You can reduce your risk of getting or spreading viruses and bacteria by taking a few precautions:
If you have signs of meningitis, seek medical attention immediately.