Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes
covering the brain and spinal cord. Most cases are caused by a
bacterial or viral infection. It is characterized by fever,
headache, stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light, irritability,
and severe fatigue. If the disease is not treated, coma and death
can result. Generally, the most severe forms of the disease are
caused by bacteria. The leading bacterial causes are
Neisseria
meningitidis and
Streptococcus pneumoniae. The
leading viral causes of meningitis are the coxsackie viruses and
the echoviruses.
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