08/29/25 Public Health Education Topic: Meningitis

Per CDC

Key Points

• Meningitis is inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

• Many different things can cause meningitis.

• An accurate diagnosis is important though because treatment depends on the cause.

• Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible.

Symptoms

Common meningitis symptoms include

• Fever

• Headache

• Stiff neck

There are often other symptoms, such as

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light)

• Altered mental status (confusion)

Symptoms in babies

Newborns and babies may not have, or it may be difficult to notice the classic symptoms listed above. Instead, babies may

• Be slow or inactive

• Be irritable

• Vomit

• Feed poorly

• Have a bulging fontanelle (the "soft spot" on a baby's head)

• Have abnormal reflexes

When to seek emergency care‎

Anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a healthcare provider right away. A healthcare provider can determine if you have meningitis, what's causing it, and the best treatment.

Causes

Many things can cause meningitis:

• Bacterial infections

• Viral infections

• Fungal infections

• Parasites, including ameba

• Injuries

• Cancer

• Certain drugs

Bacterial or viral meningitis are more common than the other types of meningitis.

To learn more visit: About Meningitis | Meningitis | CDC