Back Breinvliesontsteking Afrikaans Meningitis ALS ማጅራት ገትር Amharic Meninchitis AN التهاب السحايا Arabic التهاب السحايا ARZ Meninxitis AST Meningit Azerbaijani مئننژیت AZB Meningits BAT-SMG
Meningitis is an infection of certain membranes and tissues of the nervous system. Those are called meninges (singular: meninx). Their function is to protect the central nervous system. Most often, this infection is caused by microorganisms, like viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. The most common cause of meningitis are viruses, followed by bacteria. Meningitis is a life-threatening condition. It affects all age groups.
Some kinds of meningitis are very easy to spread. For this reason, in certain countries, like Germany, doctors have to tell the authorities that someone might have meningitis.