What causes meningitis?

• The most common causes of meningitis are bacterial infections that start in other parts of the body and spread to the brain or spinal cord via the bloodstream.
  
  
• It is also caused by viruses, chemical irritation, or tumors.
  
  
• It is spread through infected body fluids and can be passed by sharing a drink, a cigarette or a kiss.
  
  
• The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory or throat secretions. It is not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.
  
  
• Smoking and bad hygiene can help promote the spread.

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