21/04/2026
Meningitis 2
What causes meningitis?
Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and can be spread through sneezing, coughing and kissing. Viral meningitis is the most common type. Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be very serious if not treated. Overall, it’s estimated up to 1 in 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal and of those that survive 1 person in every 2 or 3 will be left with 1 or more permanent problems.
Several different viruses can cause meningitis including:
• Meningococcal bacteria-there are several different types called, A. B. C. W. X. Y and Z.
• Pneumococcal bacteria
• Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacteria
• Enteroviruses – that usually only causes a mild stomach infection
• The mumps virus
• The herpes simplex virus – a virus that usually causes cold sores.