M eningitis is a medical emergency that needs urgent treatment. It is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain. It can be caused by different viruses, and is spread between people by coughing or sneezing, or through poor hygiene. Other germs can be found in sewage polluted water. Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics.
Treatment is based on good nursing care.
Recovery is normally complete, but headaches, tiredness, and depression may persist. Bacteria may be spread between people by coughing, sneezing, and kissing, but the bacteria cannot live outside the body for long. Meningococcus is found in the nasopharynx of about 5 percent of the population and is spread by respiratory droplets and close contact. For unknown reasons, only a small fraction of carriers develop meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis occurs most often in the first year of life, but may also occur in closed populations, such as schools.