What is meningitis?

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Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord---also called the meninges. It
can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral (aseptic) meningitis is common; most people recover fully. Medical management of viral meningitis consists of supportive treatment and there is usually no indication of the use of antibiotics. Parasitic and fungal meningitis are very rare. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and may involve complicated medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and life support ​management.

There are two common types of bacteria that cause meningitis: 

Strep pneumoniae causes pneumococcal meningitis; there are over 80 subtypes that cause
illness
Neisseria meningitidis—meningococcal meningitis; there are 5 subtypes that cause serious
illness—A, B, C, Y, W-135 
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