What are the causes of Meningitis?

Causes

Meningitis is generally a result of an infection by one of many bacteria's and viruses that is already live in the nose and mouth. The bacteria enter the blood and become lodged in the brain's outer covering. Most common bacteria causing meningitis is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Neisseria meningitidis is another organism which usually causes outbreaks in crowded conditions, such as colleges and military barracks.

Bacterial meningitis is less common than viral meningitis. And once caused often results in very serious health consequences. You will find bacterial meningitis in only 1 out of 10 people suffering from meningitis which leaves behind at least 1 out of the 7 persons with a severe disability caused by brain injury.

How is Meningitis Spread?

Meningitis is not so contagious disease, but then also the germs can be spread from an infected person to a healthy person. Coughing, sneezing and kissing can spread the germs, but they can not live outside the body for very long. As a result, you would have to be in very close contact with an infected person before the bacteria could pass on to you.