What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a rare but serious infection of your meninges (the membranes covering your brain and spinal cord).

Meningitis is usually caused by a virus or bacteria, and sometimes it’s caused by a fungus.

Viral meningitis is usually a less dangerous form of meningitis and most commonly affects children. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital.

It is often not possible to tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis from the symptoms alone.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

The symptoms of meningitis in young children and babies can include:

• fever or low temperature
• irritability
• being drowsy or difficult to wake
• poor feeding
• feeling stiff or floppy
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• purple-red skin rash or bruising
• pale or blotchy skin
• seizures

Babies may also have:

• a bulge in their fontanelle (the soft spot on top their head)
• an unusual or high-pitched cry

Symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults can include:

• fever
• very bad headache
• stiff or sore neck
• sensitivity to light
• nausea and vomiting
• tiredness and drowsiness
• irritability
• confusion
• muscle and joint pains
• seizures

Some people with meningitis have a purple-red skin rash or bruising. The red or purple spots do not turn white when you press on them with a finger.

What causes meningitis?

The viruses or bacteria that can cause meningitis are usually spread from person to person through close contact. This may be through:

• coughing
• sneezing
• kissing
• sharing personal items

Bacterial meningitis is commonly caused by meningococcal and pneumococcal bacteria.

When should I see my doctor?

Call an ambulance or go straight to the emergency department if you or a child is showing symptoms of meningococcal infection.

How is meningitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination.

Tests that can help with the diagnosis include:

• blood tests
• a lumbar puncture, which involves putting a needle into the base of the spine to take a sample of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spine
• a brain CT scan or MRI scan

How is meningitis treated?

People with meningitis are usually be admitted to hospital. Treatment will depend on the type of infection that has caused the meningitis.

Viral meningitis

There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis and people usually get better with plenty of rest and fluids.

Pain relief medicines, such as paracetamol, can be used to ease headache and fever.

Viral meningitis is not treated with antibiotics because antibiotics are not effective against viral illnesses.

Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.

You will get antibiotics to treat the infection.

Other medicines, such as corticosteroids, may also be given to help reduce your risk of complications.

Fungal meningitis

Meningitis that’s caused by a fungus is treated with anti-fungal medicines.

Can meningitis be prevented?

If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has meningococcal disease, you may be given antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection.

You can lower your risk of catching infections in general if you follow these good hygiene practices:

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Don’t share drink bottles, cups or cutlery.
• Sneeze into your elbow.
• Throw tissues into the bin straight after use and wash your hands.

It’s important to stay up-to-date with routine childhood vaccinations to prevent serious infections such as meningitis. Extra, optional vaccines are also available against some of strains of meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal vaccines

Vaccination is your best protection against meningococcal disease. There are different vaccines for different types of disease (A, B, C, W and Y).

Vaccination with meningococcal B and meningococcal ACWY vaccines can be done from 6 weeks of age.

Anyone who wants to protect themselves against meningococcal disease should talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated. Meningococcal immunisation is recommended for:

• babies, children, teenagers and young adults
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
• young adults who live in close quarters or who are current smokers
• travellers
• people who have certain medical conditions that increase their risk meningococcal disease
• laboratory workers who work with the bacterium that causes meningococcal disease

The table below explains how the meningococcal ACWY vaccine is given and who can get it as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

Meningococcal vaccines should not be given to people who have had a previous severe allergic reaction. They are generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Complications of meningitis

Some people with bacterial meningitis can develop sepsis. This is a very serious condition that needs immediate treatment.

Occasionally, meningitis can cause serious or long-term problems, such as:

• brain damage
• hearing loss
• seizures or epilepsy

Meningitis can sometimes cause other complications, such as emotional, learning and behavioural problems.

Resources and support

More information on vaccination is available from the Australian National Immunisation Program.

Meningitis Centre Australia has patient stories and an online support group for people affected by meningitis.

If you are worried about meningitis you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.