Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It may be caused by bacteria, viruses or, less commonly, fungi, parasites, medicines or other conditions. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and can worsen very quickly.
Emergency symptoms
Call your local emergency number immediately if meningitis is suspected. Do not wait for every symptom or for a rash to appear. Symptoms may develop in any order and can include:
- a severe or rapidly worsening headache
- fever, chills, cold hands or cold feet
- a stiff neck
- vomiting
- pain or discomfort in bright light
- confusion, unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking
- seizures
- rapid breathing, severe muscle or limb pain, or very pale or mottled skin
- a red or purple rash that does not fade under pressure
A non-fading rash can be harder to see on brown or black skin. Check paler areas such as the palms, soles, inside the eyelids and roof of the mouth, but never delay emergency care while looking for a rash.
Signs in babies and young children
Babies may not show the classic headache or stiff neck. Warning signs include poor feeding, repeated vomiting, unusual irritability, a high-pitched cry, a stiff or floppy body, reduced responsiveness, a bulging soft spot on the head, seizures or skin that looks pale, blotchy or mottled.
Causes
Bacterial meningitis can be caused by several bacteria, including meningococcus, pneumococcus and group B streptococcus. Viral meningitis is more common and is often less severe, but symptoms still need urgent assessment because the cause cannot be identified safely at home.
Viruses associated with meningitis include enteroviruses, herpes viruses and viruses that cause measles or mumps. Fungal meningitis is rare and mainly affects people with weakened immunity.
Diagnosis and treatment
Hospital assessment may include blood tests, a lumbar puncture to examine cerebrospinal fluid and imaging when appropriate. If bacterial meningitis is suspected, antibiotics are started urgently and should not be delayed while every test result is awaited. Treatment may also include fluids, oxygen, steroids and intensive care support.
Antibiotics do not treat viral meningitis. Management depends on the virus and severity; some people need antiviral treatment or hospital monitoring, while others recover with supportive care. Recovery time and the risk of complications vary with the cause.
Possible complications
Severe meningitis can lead to hearing loss, seizures, problems with memory or concentration, limb damage, kidney injury, neurological disability or death. Follow-up may include hearing tests and assessment of development, learning, emotional wellbeing and physical recovery.
How meningitis spreads
Spread depends on the cause. Some bacteria and viruses pass through respiratory or throat secretions during close or prolonged contact. Casual brief contact does not usually transmit meningococcal disease. Public health teams may recommend preventive antibiotics or vaccination for selected close contacts of a confirmed case.
Do not share leftover antibiotics or arrange preventive treatment without public health advice.
Vaccination and prevention
Vaccines reduce the risk of several causes of meningitis, including meningococcal, pneumococcal, Hib, measles and mumps infections. The vaccines offered and recommended ages differ between countries and for people with particular medical risks or travel plans. Check the current national vaccination schedule and travel advice where you live.
Vaccination cannot prevent every case, so emergency symptoms still require immediate action.
Sources
Reviewed: 28 August 2026
Medical disclaimer: This page cannot rule out meningitis. Seek emergency medical care immediately if meningitis is suspected.