Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. The meninges can be infected by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Rarely, meningitis may also be caused by trauma, some medications, cancers or other diseases. Anyone can develop meningitis, although young children are particularly susceptible to the disease. Children under the age of 2 years are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.

Viral (aseptic) meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. It can be serious, and up to 50,000 Americans are hospitalized with it every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, its symptoms are usually mild, with many cases going unnoticed or undiagnosed. Bacterial meningitis is far less common but tends to be much more dangerous and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

A variety of signs and symptoms (e.g., fever, headache) may indicate a mild meningitis infection, with most subsiding after a few days. Symptoms of a more serious meningitis infection (e.g., seizures, vomiting) require immediate medical attention. In most cases, meningitis can be diagnosed from a medical history, physical examination and certain medical tests (e.g., spinal tap, imaging tests).

Treatment of meningitis is dependent on its type or cause. Common treatments for viral meningitis include over-the-counter medications, rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Bacterial meningitis is typically treated with antibiotics. The combination prescribed depends on a number of factors, including infection source, disease severity and age of the patient.

Vaccinations are available to prevent some forms of bacterial meningitis. In addition to making sure their children have the proper immunizations, parents are urged to instruct children to wash their hands thoroughly, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. Washing hands regularly and properly kills germs and reduces the risk of being infected with the bacteria and viruses that can lead to meningitis.

Parents of children who exhibit symptoms associated with meningitis are urged to seek prompt medical care. The sooner meningitis is diagnosed and treated, the less severe the health consequences are likely to be.