Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that involves an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering the spinal cord and brain. A variety of factors can cause meningitis, including bacterial or viral infections, as well as some species of parasites, fungi and protozoa. The meninges can also become inflamed due to complications arising from other diseases including some cancers, and can be brought about as a side affect of certain medications. These non-infectious causes, however, tend to be very rare.

The most common symptoms of meningitis include fever, irritability, lethargy, headaches, photophobia (eye sensitivity to light), and a stiff neck, but the disease can also present with a number of other symptoms. Newborns and infants with meningitis obviously are not able to communicate their discomfort. As a result, young children with meningitis may simply appear extremely irritable or lethargic.

There are several types of meningitis, each caused by a variety of factors:

Bacterial Meningitis

* Meningococcal Meningitis and Meningococcal Septicaemia Meningitis. There are five main types of meningococcal bacteria that can cause these: A, B, C, W135 and Y.
* Hib Meningitis is caused by Haemophilus Influenzae Type B bacteria
* TB Meningitis is caused by Bacillus Tubercle bacteria
* Pneumococcal Meningitis is caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae bacteria
* Neonatal Meningitis is caused by Escherichia Coli or Streptococcus Agalactiae bacteria

Fungal Meningitis

* Cryptococcus Neoformans fungus.

Viral Meningitis

* Caused by coxsackie virus, echoviruses, and a range of other viruses. Viral meningitis can also be contracted following herpes simplex, measles, polio, mumps or chickenpox infections.

Amoebic Meningitis

* Amoeba found in geothermal and stagnating pools of fresh water at temperatures of 30'C

Coming in contact with, or being infected by a particular bacteria or virus that has been associated with meningitis does not necessarily mean that the person will contract the disease. In most cases, the particular microorganism will cause only it's usual infection. However, in some cases, the microorganism may cause meningitis without the person becoming ill or showing any symptoms. Others will develop a serious and potentially life-threatening full-blown case of meningitis.

If you suspect that you or your child has Meningitis, seek professional medical advice immediately.