Meningitis is a term that is used to describe an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. The disease is contagious and can be deadly.

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"Bacteria get into the blood and then into the brain that is a life threatening condition that needs to treated immediately," said Dr. Eric Schnakenberg.

A bit less serious is called aseptic meningitis.

"Much more common, usually caused by a cold virus or circulating virus. You are sick but you can recover very well and not a medical emergency but needs to be treated," said Schnakenberg.

Signs?

"Fever, chills, headache and stiff neck are the classic signs; unfortunately they don't occur that often. It is usually a rapid progression from being a little ill to be very unwell in a short period of time that make you think about meningitis," Schnakenberg said.

If not caught in time bacteria travels into the blood stream, affecting brain tissue and the spinal cord.

"Because this is a blood born infection and it does involve the brain, we see complications of meningitis that involve problems with thought process, you can have blindness, deafness you can neurologic symptoms similar to having a stroke. If it plugs up your blood vessels, you can lose fingers toes, legs and arms," Schnakenberg said.

It only takes hours for the disease to become deadly. It's treated with antibiotics and steroids.

"Meningococcal meningitis, if you survive it, you have about twenty percent of having serious neurologic problems. If you survive all that with no complications, your survival is pretty good," said Schnakenberg.

Because children are vaccinated, children are protected but as we age, the protection can wear off, some experts do believe you need a booster especially if you are traveling.

"As we get older we may have a change in immune system status, particularly if you have had surgery or a neuro-surgical procedure that increases your risk for meningitis, in general, the bacterial meningitis we see, usually primary effects children. For travel medicine purposes, to the Hodge, Saudi Arabia or third world country, a meningitis booster shot is recommended," said Schnakenberg.