nflammation of brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection.Rare20,000 to 200,000 US cases per yearSome types preventable by vaccineTreatable by a medical professionalSpreads by airborne dropletsRequires a medical diagnosisLab tests or imaging always requiredShort-term: resolves within days to weeks

Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses, but meningitis can also be caused by physical injury, cancer or certain drugs.The severity of illness and the treatment for meningitis differ depending on the cause. Thus, it is important to know the specific cause of meningitis.