Bacteria or viruses can cause it, and it is important to know the cause, because the treatment and chances for recovery are different. Viral meningitis is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis and goes away without specific therapy.
Bacterial meningitis is usually more dangerous.
It may spread to people who have close or prolonged contact with the sick person. Bacterial meningitis requires prompt antibiotic treatment and can be deadly if not treated early. All children are now vaccinated against H . Meningococci are now the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children ages 2-18. It is not routinely used in the United States for most people.