Bacterial and Viral Meningitis

Viral Meningitis and Bacterial Meningitis are infections of the fluids around the brain and the spinal cord. Viral Meningitis is a mild disease, while Bacterial Meningitis is more serious. Bacterial Meningitis can result in brain damage or other serious long term consequences, even death.

Both conditions begin with a sudden fever. There is no specific medical treatment for viral meningitis but those infected usually recover completely. This is not true with bacterial meningitis. Bacterial Meningitis requires quick action to determine which bacterium is causing the illness so that treatment can start with the right antibiotic.

Who is at risk for bacterial and viral Meningitis?

• Everyone, especially infants and children.

How is the bacteria and virus passed from one person to another?

• People become infected with both from close contact with nose and throat discharges. Viral Meningitis can also be passed when people practice poor hand washing.

Besides a fever, what does a person experience?

• In both diseases people may experience headaches, stiffness in the neck, nausea and vomiting. They may seem confused and be very sensitive to light.