When is bacterial meningitis contagious

Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon in the United States. It may mimic acute bacterial meningitis. It's often contracted by breathing in fungal spores that may be found in soil, decaying wood and bird droppings. Fungal meningitis isn't contagious from person to person. Cryptococcal meningitis is a common 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. Even with treatment, fungal meningitis may recur.

Parasites can cause a rare type of meningitis called eosinophilic meningitis. Parasitic meningitis can also be caused by a tapeworm infection in the brain cysticercosis or cerebral malaria. Amoebic meningitis is a rare type that is sometimes contracted through swimming in fresh water and can quickly become life-threatening.

The main parasites that cause meningitis typically infect animals. People are usually infected by eating foods contaminated with these parasites. Parasitic meningitis isn't spread between people. Meningitis can also result from noninfectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis.

Meningitis complications can be severe. The longer you or your child has the disease without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and permanent neurological damage, including:. Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine. The CDC recommends that a single dose be given to children ages 11 to 12, with a booster shot given at age If the vaccine is first given between ages 13 and 15, the booster is recommended between ages 16 and If the first shot is given at age 16 or older, no booster is necessary. This vaccine can also be given to children between the ages of 2 months and 10 years who are at high risk of bacterial meningitis or who have been exposed to someone with the disease.

It's also used to vaccinate healthy but previously unvaccinated people who have been exposed in outbreaks.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes meninges surrounding your brain and spinal cord. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Meningitis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Meningitis Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and three membranes meninges protecting your brain and spinal cord.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet. Zika transmission. World Health Organization. Meningococcal meningitis. Clinical syndromes or conditions warranting empiric transmission-based precautions in addition to standard precautions. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Listeria and pregnancy. Bacterial meningitis. Updated August 6, BCG vaccine. Updated May 4, CNS fungal infections: A review.

Parasitic meningitis. A review of Listeria monocytogenes from meat and meat products: Epidemiology, virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance and diagnosis. Onderstepoort J Vet Res. Your Privacy Rights.

To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents.

Viral Meningitis. Bacterial Meningitis. Fungal Meningitis. Parasitic Meningitis. Other Types of Meningitis. Fungal meningitis is not considered contagious. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback!

Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Related Articles. Causes and Risk Factors of Meningitis. Types of Meningitis. Encephalitis vs. Meningitis in Infants and Toddlers. What Is Bacterial Meningitis? Meningitis Complications and Long-Term Effects. What Is a Brain Infection? How Meningitis Is Diagnosed. Infections That Cause Headaches and a Fever. Bacteria or a virus can cause meningitis. Viral meningitis is more common, but bacterial meningitis is more serious. It can lead to brain damage, paralysis, or stroke.

In some cases, it can be fatal. Many different types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Vaccines are available that target many of these bacteria. For this reason, it's important to know what's causing meningitis. Even though all types affect the same area of the body, they can have different outcomes and need different treatments.

Experts don't always know why meningitis happens. Some people get it when their immune system is weak or they've recently been sick. A head injury may also increase risk. Bacterial meningitis is more common in infants under 1 year of age and people ages 16 to College students living in dorms or other close quarters are at increased risk.

Also at risk are adults with certain medical problems, including those without a spleen. Symptoms typically come on quickly, in as little as a couple of hours or up to a day or two. If you think you or your child may have meningitis, go to an emergency room right away. To diagnose this condition, a healthcare provider will do a spinal tap also called a lumbar puncture to take a sample of fluid from around the spinal cord. The fluid is then tested for bacteria.

The healthcare provider will also ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Prompt treatment of bacterial meningitis is crucial.