Apr 03, 2026
3 min read
How dangerous is meningitis? Answers to the most important questions
In England there is an increase in dangerous forms of meningitis. What does this mean for Austria?We will all have to wear masks again soon.Is this it? We answer some of the most important questions here.
What is the spinal cord?
The meninges protect the brain from pathogens and shock.Technically, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord are called meninges; inflammation of these protective tissues is called meningitis.
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What are the symptoms of the disease?
The process is often difficult.Depending on the type of pathogen, symptoms in adults include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea and vomiting, as well as confusion, rapid breathing, skin rash and seizures.
Acute complications include brain swelling, epileptic seizures or strokes, blood poisoning and coagulation disorders.Long-term consequences include hearing damage, paralysis, balance problems and difficulty concentrating.
How dangerous is the infection?
Anyone who suspects meningitis should see a doctor immediately.If left untreated, almost half of meningitis cases die because, in severe cases, the infection leads to blood loss (sepsis).
What forms are there?
The most common forms of meningitis are viruses caused by enterovirus, herpes simplex virus, and mumps.It can be serious, but symptoms are often milder than bacterial meningitis.
Although not as common as the viral form, bacterial meningitis is more dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.Bacterial meningitis is caused by meningococci, pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae.
Fungal meningitis is a type of parasitic meningitis that has slow symptoms and is transmitted through contaminated water, food, or insect bites.
What form is currently distributed in the UK?
Starting from a discotheque in the province of Kent, England, a dangerous bacterial form of Neisseria meningitidis group B (MenB) is currently spreading.The British health authority UKHSA updated the number of confirmed cases of infection and suspected cases from 34 to 29 March 22, most of those affected visited the disco.
How do you get infected?
The disease occurs in the nasopharynx in about 10 percent of the population without any problems.It is transmitted by droplets when coughing, sneezing, touching, kissing or sharing glasses.school, disco or party.
Swab infections are also possible, for example if someone touches nasal discharge and then touches a door handle.
But if we have germs in our bodies, why is it a problem for some people?
Meningococcal colonization is part of the nasopharyngeal flora, which in itself is not bad.However, in rare cases, these bacteria enter the bloodstream and can then cause severe meningitis, which can lead to blood poisoning.Such invasive meningococcal infections are caused by so-called hypervirulent strains, which are particularly active, but are very rare.
How is the disease transmitted?
The virus is less contagious than influenza or the coronavirus and does not require close contact or airborne transmission.
What is vaccination?
To prevent meningococcal disease, there are various vaccines that protect against the common types.Vaccination against group B (currently outbreak in England) is recommended for all children and adolescents from 2 months of age, but is not part of the free childhood vaccination program in Austria.The combined vaccine against Meningococci A, C, W135 and Y is recommended for young people from the age of 10, although it is only free until the age of 13.For other age groups, partial vaccination costs between 85 and 110 euros.
What treatments are there?
Therapy depends on the pathogen.People with suspected bacterial meningitis receive intravenous antibiotics in the hospital and are often given a cortisone preparation as well.Viral meningitis is treated with drugs to reduce fever, relieve pain or antiviral drugs.
What is the situation in Austria?
Meningococcal disease must be reported in Austria. Anyone with suspected infection must be immediately admitted to hospital and isolated for up to 24 hours after starting treatment. In 2024, 15 laboratory-confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease and one death were registered at the National Meningococcal Reference Center.
Rudolf Schmitzberger, head of the vaccination division of the Austrian Medical Association, said: "In general, we have a very poor vaccination against cerebrovascular disease."
Which age group is most at risk?
Teenagers and young adults are more prone to the disease because they attend concerts and other public events more often than older adults.
Do adults have to train once?
There is no clear answer." The question of when a booster vaccination is necessary is not addressed in the immunization schedule; the science is currently working on that," Schmitzberger said.You don't spend much time in the local community," Schmitzberger quoted the German Permanent Vaccination Commission as saying.
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Information and resources
Rudolf Schmitzberger, head of the vaccination department of the Austrian Medical Association and a pediatrician in Vienna.
- Federal Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Public Health, Assistance and Consumer Protection: meningococcus
- Vaccination Plan Austria
- AGES-Referenzzentral Meningococci
- Pharmacy monitoring: Meningitis
- Gesundheit.gv.at: Vaccination against meningococci
Topics in other media
- Press Pharmaceutical: lessons from the epidemic in England
- SRF: What causes meningitis?
- BBC spotlight on meningitis
