What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a rare but serious inflammation of your meninges. These are the membranes covering your brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is usually caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus but it can also be caused by injury, cancer or drugs.

Viral meningitis is usually a less dangerous form of meningitis. It most commonly affects children. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital.

It is often not possible to tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis from the symptoms alone.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

The symptoms of meningitis in young children and babies can include:

• fever or low temperature
• being irritable, drowsy or difficult to wake
• poor feeding
• feeling stiff or floppy
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• pale or blotchy skin
• seizures

Babies may also have:

• a bulge in their fontanelle (the soft spot on top of their head)
• an unusual or high-pitched cry

Symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults can include:

• fever
• very bad headache or stiff, sore neck
• sensitivity to light
• nausea and vomiting
• tiredness, drowsiness, irritability or confusion
• muscle and joint pains
• seizures

Some people with meningitis have a purple-red skin rash or bruising. The red or purple spots do not turn white when you press on them with a finger. This is generally a sign of meningococcal disease - a type of bacterial meningitis.

What causes meningitis?

The cause of meningitis depends on what type of meningitis it is.

Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is commonly caused by meningococcal and pneumococcal bacteria.

Meningococcal disease is the name for meningitis caused by a type of bacteria called neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcal bacteria).

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency.

The bacteria that can cause meningitis are usually spread from person to person through close contact. This may be by:

• coughing
• sneezing
• kissing
• sharing personal items

Viral meningitis

There are many viruses that can cause viral meningitis — some are transmitted by insects. People with strong immune systems do not generally get viral meningitis.

Fungal meningitis

Fungal meningitis is most often caused by a fungus called cryptococcus neoformans. It usually occurs in people who are immunocompromised.

Non-infectious meningitis

Non-infectious causes of meningitis are rare. These may include;

• injury
• cancer
• drugs
• lupus (an autoimmune condition)

When should I see my doctor?

How is meningitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination.

Tests that can help with the diagnosis include:

• blood tests
• a lumbar puncture, which involves putting a needle into the base of the spine to take a sample of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spine
• a brain CT scan or MRI scan

How is meningitis treated?

People with meningitis are usually admitted to hospital. Your doctor will treat meningitis based on the cause.

People with suspected bacterial meningitis are treated with antibiotics. This is before doctors know the exact cause.

Viral meningitis

The specific treatment for viral meningitis depends on which virus is the cause.

Many types of viral meningitis have no specific treatment and people usually get better with plenty of rest and fluids. Antiviral medicines can be used in rare instances.

Pain relief medicines, such as paracetamol, can be used to ease headache and fever.

Other medicines can help ease symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.

You will get antibiotics to treat the infection.

Other medicines, such as corticosteroids, may also be given to help reduce your chance of complications.

Fungal meningitis

If meningitis is caused by a fungus, your doctor will treat it with antifungal medicines. Other treatments may also be needed, depending on the type of fungus.

Can meningitis be prevented?

You can lower your chance of infections in general if you follow good hygiene practices:

• Wash your hands
• Don't share drink bottles, cups or cutlery.
• Sneeze into your elbow.
• Throw tissues into the bin straight after use and wash your hands.
• Avoid insects that can carry infections such as mosquitoes and ticks.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you've had close contact with someone who has meningococcal disease. This is to reduce your chance of infection.

It's important to stay up-to-date with routine childhood vaccinations to prevent serious infections such as meningococcal meningitis and Hib meningitis. Extra, optional vaccines are also available against some strains of meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal vaccines

Vaccination is your best protection against meningococcal disease. There are different vaccines for different types of disease (A, B, C, W and Y).

Vaccination with meningococcal B and meningococcal ACWY vaccines can be given from 6 weeks of age.

Anyone who wants to protect themselves against meningococcal disease should talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated. Meningococcal immunisation is recommended for:

• babies, children, teenagers and young adults
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
• young adults who live in close quarters or who are current smokers
• travellers
• people with certain medical conditions that increase their chance of meningococcal disease
• laboratory workers who work with bacteria that causes meningococcal disease

The table below explains how the meningococcal ACWY vaccine is given and who can get it as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

Meningococcal vaccines should not be given to people who have had a previous severe allergic reaction. They are generally not recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Complications of meningitis

Meningitis can sometimes cause serious or long-term problems, such as:

• brain damage
• hearing loss
• seizures or epilepsy

Meningitis can also lead to emotional, learning and behavioural problems.

Some people with bacterial meningitis can develop sepsis. This is a very serious condition that needs immediate treatment.

Resources and support

More information on vaccination is available from the Australian National Immunisation Program.

Meningitis Centre Australia has patient stories and an online support group for people affected by meningitis.

If you are worried about meningitis, call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network has information in community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Department of Health has information on immunisation for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.