eningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, or the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by both virus and bacteria. Several different bacteria cause meningitis, with Neisseria meningitides having the potential to cause large epidemics. The common subgroups of this bacteria include A, B, C, Y and W135.

Infectious results
The bacteria is spread through close contact, from throat or respiratory tract secretions. Sneezing, coughing, kissing or sharing an infected person's utensils makes dormitory living a high risk.

The bacteria can be carried in the throat without leading to symptoms. As many as 10-20% of the population carries the bacteria at any given time. Usually the disease presents itself two to 10 days after exposure. It can present as a non-specific viral infection, which delays diagnosis. Even with early diagnosis and treatment, 5-10% of patients die within as few as 24 to 48 hours after onset of symptoms. Bacterial meningitis can result in brain damage, hearing loss and other disabilities in 10-20% of survivors.
More worrisome symptoms of meningitis involve sepsis, rash and collapse of circulation leading to death. Meningitis is considered potentially fatal and should be treated as an emergency situation; a range of antibiotics are used for treatment.