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symptoms. You can usually spread the virus to someone else beginning about 3 days after you are infected until about 10 days after you develop symptoms. Enteroviruses begin to multiply in the digestive tract and can spread through the body to cause meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and the more severe form of the infection. If it isn't treated promptly, it can cause brain damage and, in some circumstances, even death. People can spread them through throat and respiratory secretions — for example, by coughing or kissing. After a person is started on antibiotic treatment for meningitis, the infection can still be spread to others for at least 24 hours.
A number of strains of bacteria can cause acute bacterial meningitis. The most common include:
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants and young children. It can also cause pneumonia and ear and sinus infections.
• Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). This bacterium is another leading cause of bacterial meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis commonly occurs when bacteria from an upper respiratory infection enter your bloodstream. This infection is highly contagious and may cause local epidemics in college dormitories and boarding schools and on military bases.
• Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus). Before the 1990s, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacterium was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis. But new Hib vaccines — available as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule— have greatly reduced the number of cases of this type of meningitis. When it occurs, it tends to follow an upper respiratory infection, ear infection (otitis media) or sinusitis.
• Listeria monocytogenes (listeria). These bacteria can be found almost anywhere — in soil, in dust and in foods that have become contaminated. Contaminated foods have included soft cheeses, hot dogs and luncheon meats. Many wild and domestic animals also carry the bacteria. Fortunately, most healthy people exposed to listeria don't become ill, although pregnant women, newborns and older adults tend to be more susceptible. Listeria can cross the placental barrier, and infections in late pregnancy may cause a baby to be stillborn or die shortly after birth.
Sometimes meningitis results from a head injury. For example, a skull fracture may create an opening between the nasal sinuses and the subarachnoid space. Bacteria can travel from the sinuses through the opening and infect the meninges.

Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon. Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies, such as AIDS. It's life-threatening if not treated with an antifungal medication.

Signs & Symptoms 体征和症状
Viral and bacterial meningitis can cause similar symptoms.
Some of the common signs and symptoms for meningitis in babies and young children include:
1. High temperature, fever, with the possibility of cold hands and feet
2. Vomiting or nausea and refusing food
3. High pitched moaning and whimpering cry
4. Blank and/or staring expression
5. Pale and blotchy complexion <