Meningitis is defined as a serious infection of the meninges, the membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord, which may be caused by diverse pathogens including bacteria, fungi, or viruses [2]. A source-reported classification describes it as a category spanning all reported etiologies that must not be narrowed to bacterial meningitis when etiology is unspecified [3].
Disease overview
Other Evidence-backed information EN 1/5 applicable sections · ZH 1/5 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and remains a major public health challenge worldwide [1][2]. It can affect individuals of any age and location, with the responsible pathogens varying by age, immune status, and exposure conditions [1][2]. The highest global burden is associated with bacterial meningitis, and a substantial portion of meningococcal disease occurs in the African meningitis belt [1][2].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 2
- 1 World Health Organization. Meningitis [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis
- 2 World Health Organization. Meningitis [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/meningitis
- 3 GlobalID Disease Ontology. GlobalID ontology concept D235: Meningitis (all reported etiologies) [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://github.com/xmusphlkg/globalID2/blob/development/configs/disease_ontology.json
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