What is meningitis? Meningitis is a disease caused by an
inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the
brain. The inflammation is usually caused by infection of the
fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There are three
meninges, including the following: Dura mater. This is the
outside membrane that adheres to the inside of the skull.
Arachnoid. This is the middle membrane. Pia mater. This is the
innermost membrane, which adheres to the brain. What causes
meningitis? There are two distinct types of meningitis, each
with different causes: Viral (caused by a virus) Viral
meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis, although
rarely life threatening. Viral meningitis can be caused by
different viruses, and is spread between people by coughing or
sneezing, or through poor hygiene. Other germs can be found in
sewage polluted water. On rare occasions, certain insects, such
as mosquitos and ticks, are thought to pass on these viruses.
Insect bites would then be the way the virus is intro