Is meningitis contagious?
My child has been diagnosed with meningitis, and I am very concerned about my child's health. I would like to ask, is meningitis contagious?
Doctor's answer (1)
Whether meningitis is contagious depends on its specific causative pathogen. Generally speaking, meningitis is an infectious disease, and some types are contagious, but not all forms of meningitis are contagious.
1. Contagious meningitis: Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis (meningococcal meningitis), tuberculous meningitis (TB meningitis), and prion protein-induced meningitis.
2. Non-contagious meningitis: Viral meningitis, such as herpes virus-induced meningitis; purulent meningitis; cryptococcal meningitis.
If symptoms of meningitis occur, such as high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, or rash, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
