Meningitis is the swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
There are two types of meningitis; viral and bacterial.
Viral is more common than bacterial and less harmful. Symptoms include abdominal or chest pains and rash, and may affect the nervous system in extreme cases.
Bacterial meningitis is rare and requires antibiotic treatment. A serious form is meningococcal meningitis, and can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include fever, sudden headache, neck and stiffness or rashes.
Meningococcemia affects the blood system but doesn't spread to the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can also be deadly.
The bacteria can be contracted by intimate contact from another person infected, such as sharing toothbrushes or being touched or kissed.
People can be vaccinated against four out of five strains of the meningococcal bacteria.
Source: Olin Health Center
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