County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
E-Mail:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov
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Acute Communicable Disease Control
Meningitis and Meningococcal Disease
Meningitis - inflammation or infection of the membrane covering the spinal cord and brain
- is most commonly caused by a virus or a bacteria. While meningitis caused by either
organism is serious, viral meningitis is typically not a severe illness and is rarely fatal.
Bacterial meningitis can be quite serious depending on the organism - particularly if caused
by S. pneumoniae or N. meningitidis.
Meningococcal disease - infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis -
usually causes meningitis or meningococcemia (blood stream infection) which can
develop very rapidly. It is considered a very serious public health emergency and
is fatal in about one in 10 patients. Prophylaxis is recommended for close contacts.
Meningitis - inflammation or infection of the membrane covering the spinal cord and brain
- is most commonly caused by a virus or a bacteria. While meningitis caused by either
organism is serious, viral meningitis is typically not a severe illness and is rarely fatal.
Bacterial meningitis can be quite serious depending on the organism - particularly if caused
by S. pneumoniae or N. meningitidis. 