Types

Basic Types of MENINGITIS 5 •

VIRAL .1 •
Most common type of meningitis Usually mild and goes away on its •
own without causing long-term problems Most often caused by a group
of viruses
called 'enteroviruses," which include common viruses like herpes •
simplex virus, HIV, mumps, and West Nile virus
BACTERIAL .2 •
Develops when certain types of harmful bacteria either enter the •
bloodstream and then travel to the meninges (brain and spinal cord), or
directly invade the meninges after an ear nfection, sinus infection, skull
fracture or surgery Considered the most serious and life-threatening
FUNGAL .3

Less common than viral or bacterial meningitis Caused by slow-growing organisms that invade the
meninges

Usually this results in chronic meningitis

PARASITIC .4

Naegleria fowleri is a type of parasite detected all over the world, although it only very rarely caus
meningitis

This microscopic organism enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain Found in war
freshwater sources (such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs)

NON-INFECTIOUS .5

Rarely, meningitis can also be caused by

inflammation, chemical irritation or by