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Student Health Services

Bush Campus Center, Room 150 · (570) 320-5234

Meningitis - What It Is

What is meningitis and meningococcal infection?

Meningitis is an infection that can lead to a dangerous swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Both viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis. The symptoms you feel and how a doctor treats the infection depends on what kind of organism is causing it.

The bad news is that if meningococcal infection goes untreated, it can lead to permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, or amputation; it can even lead to death. The good news is that if it’s caught early, meningitis is curable in most cases. Of course, it’s even better to prevent the disease altogether.

Viral vs. Bacterial Meningitis

There are two kinds of meningitis; each caused by different types of organisms:

Viral Meningitis – This is the more common form of the disease. Viral meningitis is usually not as serious as bacterial meningitis and patients usually get better with minimal treatment.

Bacterial Meningitis – This form of the disease is often referred to as meningococcal meningitis. Because it can be easily spread, meningococcal meningitis can cause outbreaks in a specific area, such as a college campus. Infection can cause serious illness, long-lasting effects on the nervous system, or death within 24 to 48 hours.