Resources for Healthcare Professionals

Disease Information

Causes of Bacterial Meningitis

• Neisseria meningitidis
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Group B Streptococcus
• Listeria monocytogenes

Causes of Viral Meningitis

• Enteroviruses—In the United States (especially during the summer months) most viral meningitis cases are caused by enteroviruses. This is a group of viruses that includes enteroviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses. For more information, see
  • Non-Polio Enterovirus Infections
  • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
• Measles
• Influenza
• Mumps
• Herpesvirus, such as
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Herpes simplex viruses
  • Varicella-zoster virus—the cause of chickenpox and shingles
• Arboviruses—These viruses, which are spread by mosquitoes and other insects, can also cause infections that can lead to viral meningitis
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus—This virus, which is spread by rodents, is a rare cause of viral meningitis.

Vaccine Resources

• Neisseria meningitidis
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Measles
• Influenza
• Mumps