The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the first-ever global strategy to defeat meningitis, a debilitating disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people each year.

What is Meningitis?

• Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
• People of any age can get meningitis.

What Causes Meningitis?

• Most cases are caused by bacteria or viruses, but some can be due to certain medicines or illnesses.
• Meningitis is usually caused by a viral infection but can also be bacterial or fungal.
• Both kinds of meningitis spread like most other common infections do — someone who’s infected touches, kisses, or coughs or sneezes on someone who isn’t infected.
• Bacterial meningitis is rare, but is usually serious and can be life-threatening if not treated right away.
• Viral meningitis (also called aseptic meningitis) is more common than bacterial meningitis and usually less serious.
• Many of the viruses that cause meningitis are common, such as those that cause colds, diarrhea, cold sores, and the flu.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Meningitis?

• Meningitis symptoms vary, depending on the person’s age and the cause of the infection.
• The first symptoms can come on quickly or start several days after someone has had a cold, diarrhea, vomiting, or other signs of an infection.

Common symptoms include:

• fever
• lack of energy
• irritability
• headache
• sensitivity to light
• stiff neck
• skin rash

Treatment

• Several vaccines protect against meningitis, including meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal vaccines.
• If dealt with quickly, meningitis can be treated successfully.

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