Is meningitis contagious? How contagious is it?

Meningitis can be a very serious disease. If you or somebody you love is at increased risk, you may have lots of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about meningitis.

What is meningitis?
Meningitis occurs when the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges, become inflamed. This disease can be fatal or cause serious lasting side effects.

What are the causes of meningitis?
The two main causes of meningitis are bacteria and viruses. Common bacteria or viruses may cause infection in a part of the body --  such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract ­-- and then may spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system. Bacteria can also enter the nervous system directly after severe head trauma or head surgery, or following an infection in the head.

Fungi, protozoa and other parasites are less common causes of meningitis. In rare cases, cancer, other diseases, or certain medications may also lead to inflammation of the meninges.

What is bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is very rare but serious, occurring most often in winter months. The most common type affecting babies and teenagers is meningococcal disease, which can be fatal if you don’t receive treatment immediately. The bacteria that cause it live in the noses and throats of up to a quarter of the population. It is not known why these bacteria sometimes travel to the nervous system and cause meningitis.

What is viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is more common and usually less serious. It tends to occur more often in summer and autumn. Because of its flu-like symptoms, many people mistake it for flu. Viruses that cause stomach “flu” are a common cause of viral meningitis. Others viruses that lead to meningitis are those that cause chickenpox, HIV and genital herpes.

Who is at risk of developing meningitis?
A person of any age can develop bacterial meningitis but it is more common in infants and young children and in people over 60. Because of close contact with peers, teenagers and college university students are at greater risk, too.

Although it is more common in children, viral meningitis can occur in people of all ages. Having a weakened immune system or travelling to certain foreign countries also increases your risk of meningitis.

Is meningitis contagious?
Close contact - not casual contact at work or school - can spread the bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis. This includes kissing, coughing, laughing or sneezing. Sharing eating utensils, glasses, food or towels can also spread these bacteria and viruses. However, meningitis itself is not considered an airborne or waterborne disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?
Although symptoms may vary, the more common signs and symptoms of meningitis include:

• High temperature
• Severe, persistent headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Vomiting
• Dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness
• Muscle and joint pain
• A reddish or purple skin rash is an important sign to watch for. If it does not turn white when you press a glass against it, the rash may be a sign of blood poisoning. This is a medical emergency.