The main cause of meningitis is typically an infection, with viral infections being the most common cause, followed by bacterial infections, and, more rarely, fungal and parasitic infections. Bacterial causes include species such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and group B streptococcus. Other less common causes can include injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and autoimmune disorders

Most people who contract meningitis can recover, but around a third of those who survive may experience after-effects. For viral meningitis, most individuals will recover fully within one to four weeks, but some may have reduced quality of life for at least a year after the illness. Bacterial meningitis recovery can take weeks to months, and some individuals may experience long-term complications despite treatment. It’s important to note that the recovery period and potential after-effects can vary from person to person.

The survival rate of meningitis depends on various factors, including the type of infection and the timeliness of medical intervention. Bacterial meningitis, for instance, can be particularly serious, with around 1 in 6 people who contract this type of meningitis dying from it and 1 in 5 experiencing severe complications. The fatality rate for bacterial meningitis is about 15-20%, with a higher death rate associated with increasing age. On the other hand, viral meningitis is generally associated with a very good prognosis, and most people make a full recovery from it. The odds of surviving meningitis are strongly related to the type of meningitis a person has and the availability of prompt medical care. It is vital that anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis seeks immediate medical attention to improve the chances of survival and recovery. 

Meningitis can be spread through various means, depending on the type of infection. Bacterial meningitis, for example, can spread from person to person through droplets from the nose and mouth, such as by coughing, sneezing, or intimate kissing. Additionally, the bacteria can be carried in the throat and may overwhelm the body’s defenses, leading to illness. Close and prolonged contact, like living in close quarters with an infected person, can facilitate the spread of the disease. Viral meningitis, on the other hand, can be spread through close contact with an infected person, as well as through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing items like toothbrushes or eating utensils. It’s important to practice good hand hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, and seek vaccination to help prevent the spread of meningitis.

The duration of meningitis without being aware of the infection can vary depending on the type. For viral meningitis, symptoms are typically mild and may improve within a few days, with most people recovering fully after one to four weeks. On the other hand, bacterial meningitis has a sudden onset, and symptoms can progress rapidly, leading to serious health complications or even death within a matter of hours if left untreated. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of meningitis, immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent serious consequences.

Fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea or vomiting, lack of energy or drowsiness, irritability, poor appetite. In infants, symptoms can include being hard to comfort, feeding poorly, and being sleepy or hard to wake up. If meningitis is suspected, immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent serious consequences.