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Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability.

More About Meningitis

Meningococcal Disease FAQ (Centers for Disease Control)

Treatment

About the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Drug Resistance (Centers for Disease Control)

For Providers

Etiotology and Treatment Parameters (Centers for Disease Control)

Content provided by the Public Health Division of Contra Costa Health Services.