Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord, can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasitic infections, and even non-infectious meningitis, all of which have very different outcomes. A case of viral meningitis may clear up on its own in several weeks, whereas bacterial meningitis may become a life-threatening emergency that requires emergency antibiotic treatment.

Meningitis has a number of hallmark symptoms, regardless of the cause of the disease, and early symptoms mimic that of the flu (influenza), developing over several hours or a few days. To better understand the disease, one should understand the five types of meningitis and how they differ.

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis in the United States, and thankfully the least severe. Most patients can let the virus run its course and make a full recovery without prescription medication or emergency treatment. However, young infants and those with compromised immune systems are likely to develop a serious illness that requires medical attention.

Non-polio enteroviruses are the most common causes of viral meningitis, and outbreaks are most common in the summer and fall. It is important to note that only a small percentage of the people who are infected with enteroviruses develop meningitis. In addition to enteroviruses, viral meningitis can be caused by:

·         Mumps virus