>General Health >Epidemiology >Vaccine Preventable >Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid around the brain. People become infected with close contact from nose and throat discharges and poor hand washing.
There are four different types of Meningitis: bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic. Bacterial Meningitis is the most severe and can result in brain damage and other serious long term consequences, including death.
There is no treatment for Viral Meningitis but those infected usually recover completely. Bacterial Meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, but it requires quick action to determine course of treatment.
Meningitis vaccines can protect you against most types of meningitis. Symptoms of Bacterial and Viral Meningitis are virtually identical. Consult your doctor immediately if you think you have Meningitis.
Signs & Symptoms: appear 3-7 days after exposure and can last for 7-10 days.