If these organisms get into the blood, they can travel to the brain where they may cause meningitis. However, it is important to remember that these organisms are common and that they rarely cause life-threatening infections. The bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis are spread through the air or by close contact, such as kissing. These symptoms often develop rapidly over a period of hours. Viral meningitis, which accounts for about half of meningitis infections, often causes a mild illness and is not usually life threatening, although in a small proportion of people, the illness is severe.
Bacterial meningitis is a severe and life-threatening illness.
Affected people rapidly become extremely unwell and may die within a matter of hours. In particular, their level of consciousness is a guide to how severe the illness is. However, if the infection is treated early, the chances of survival and recovery are good. In babies and young children the early symptoms of meningitis are not specific. Later, babies and young children with meningitis may have seizures.