Generally people have a natural immunity to this disease and illness is infrequent. Both viral and bacterial meningitis are transmitted from person to person through direct contact with nose or throat secretions. In addition, healthy individuals can have these bacteria in their throats and spread them to others. According to Health Services, an infected person can carry the disease for two weeks before any symptoms occur. Within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, the condition becomes severe.
Early symptoms are similar to a mild flu.
The infected person may experience sore throat, fever, a stiff neck and an increased sensitivity to light. Medical attention should be sought immediately if symptoms occur. Bacterial meningitis requires medical attention by a physician and can be treated with a number of antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment of most common types of bacterial meningitis should reduce the fatality rate to less than 10 percent, though the fatality rate is higher in infants and the elderly. The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid.