Infant Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding a baby’s brain and spinal cord. Without prompt treatment, it can progress quickly and cause permanent brain damage or death. Learn more about the causes, warning signs, and treatment options and how parents can protect their child and act quickly if symptoms appear.
What Is Infant Meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, called meninges.
When these membranes become swollen from the infection, it can lead to brain damage, hearing and vision loss, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.
Newborns and young children between 1 month and 2 years old are the most susceptible to bacterial meningitis because their immune systems are still immature, while preterm babies have an even higher risk.
The disease can progress rapidly, sometimes becoming life-threatening within hours, and without prompt diagnosis and immediate medical treatment, the infection can cause permanent injury or be fatal.
What are the Types of Meningitis?
Infant meningitis is classified by the type of pathogen causing the infection. Each type has it's own level of severity, recovery, and treatment method.
Bacterial Meningitis
This is an uncommon but very dangerous form of meningitis that can appear in infants and requires immediate medical care. It can lead to severe brain injury, hearing loss, or death if not treated quickly.
It is usually caused by bacteria such as Group B Streptococcus, E. coli, or Listeria, which can be passed from the mother during pregnancy or delivery or acquired shortly after birth.
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis in infants and is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis, though it still requires medical evaluation. Most infants get better with time and careful monitoring, but the approach to care depends on the specific virus and the baby’s age.
These viruses spread via contact with infected people, respiratory secretions, contaminated objects, stool, or, in the case of HSV, from maternal exposure during birth.
Viruses that commonly cause viral meningitis in infants include:
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Enteroviruses, the most frequent cause, which often lead to mild illness and full recovery
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Herpes simplex virus (HSV), less common but more dangerous in newborns and capable of causing severe brain injury
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Varicella-zoster and other respiratory viruses, which can occasionally affect the nervous system
Fungal Meningitis
Fungal meningitis is much rarer than bacterial or viral meningitis but can be very serious when it occurs. It mostly affects premature babies or those with weakened immune systems.
It is usually caused by fungi such as Candida, which normally live harmlessly on the skin or in the body but can cause infection if they enter the bloodstream, often through contaminated medical devices used in the NICU.
In very rare cases, environmental fungi from soil and bird droppings, including Cryptococcus and Histoplasma, can lead to meningitis.
What Causes Infants to Get Meningitis?
Meningitis in babies develops when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the bloodstream and reach the brain and spinal cord, where they infect the protective membranes and surrounding fluid.
Babies can get bacteria from their mother, such as Group B Streptococcus, E. coli, or Listeria, either during pregnancy or while passing through the birth canal. The risk is higher when the mother's amniotic sac ruptures for a long time before delivery or if the mother has an active infection.
Meningitis can sometimes be caused by injuries to the scalp during delivery, such as cuts from forceps, which can provide an entry point for bacteria into the baby.
Other cases occur after birth, when infants are exposed to germs in the hospital or home environment, particularly during prolonged NICU stays, invasive medical care, or close contact with infected people.
Infection can also occur if untreated illnesses like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or severe ear or sinus infections reach the brain.
Children that are in daycare or school settings face increased exposure to germs spread through close contact, including bacteria like pneumococcus and meningococcus and viruses that may cause meningitis.
What are the Symptoms of Meningitis?
Meningitis can look very different in infants compared to older children, and symptoms can appear suddenly and can quickly get worse.
In babies, the early signs of meningitis may show up as a drop in appetite, unusual sleepiness, persistent crying, or changes in normal behavior, rather than clear signs of illness, because infants cannot verbally communicate their symptoms.
Older children are more likely to describe symptoms like severe headache, neck pain, or sensitivity to light, which can make the condition easier to recognize.
If your child shows any of the symptoms below, seek medical care immediately. Meningitis can quickly develop within hours and can lead to severe long-term complications.
Symptoms in infants (newborns younger than 2 months):
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Fever or low body temperature
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Poor feeding or vomiting
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Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking
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High-pitched crying or very irritable
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Bulging soft spot on the head
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Breathing changes or seizures
Symptoms in older infants and children (2 months and older):
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High fever
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Severe headache
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Stiff neck
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Sensitivity to light
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Confusion or trouble concentrating
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Nausea or vomiting
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Skin rash that does not fade when pressed
What are the Complications from Infant Meningitis?
Meningitis can cause serious complications because the infection leads to swelling and inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
This inflammation can put pressure on the skull, reduce oxygen flow, and damage developing brain tissue, especially when treatment is delayed or the infection is severe. Some children recover fully, but others may experience lasting effects that affect movement, learning, or sensory abilities.
Possible complications from meningitis include:
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Seizures or epilepsy
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Hearing loss
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Vision impairment
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Developmental delays
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Learning or cognitive difficulties
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Motor impairments or muscle stiffness
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Cerebral palsy from permanent brain injury
How Is Infant Meningitis Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose infants with meningitis using a combination of physical exams and medical tests.
Common tests usually include:
- Physical examination – the doctor checks the baby’s temperature, breathing, heart rate, alertness, muscle tone, and reflexes to look for signs of infection or neurologic problems that could point to meningitis.
- Blood tests – A blood sample is taken to measure markers of infection and immune response, such as white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and other indicators that show the body is reacting to an infection and how severe that response may be.
- Blood cultures – Blood is drawn and placed in a lab setting to allow bacteria, viruses, or fungi to grow, which helps doctors identify the exact germ causing the infection and choose which antibiotics or antifungal medications will work best.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) – A thin needle is used to collect fluid from the spinal cord, allowing doctors to confirm meningitis, assess inflammation, and determine the specific type of infection involved.
- Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) – Evaluates the brain for swelling, fluid buildup, bleeding, or injury, and help rule out other conditions that may affect treatment decisions.
- Urine tests – check for urinary tract infections that may have spread to the bloodstream and contributed to meningitis.
Once test results begin to clarify the type of meningitis, doctors will customize treatment to target the specific cause and address symptoms.
What Are the Risk Factors for Infant Meningitis?
Since infants already have a high risk of getting meningitis, additional conditions before or after birth can increase the chances of getting a serious infection.
Risk factors during pregnancy, birth, and early medical care:
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Premature birth (less than 38 weeks) or low birth weight babies (weighing less than 2,500 grams or 5.5 lbs)
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Immature or weakened immune system
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Maternal Group B strep colonization or untreated infections during pregnancy
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Prolonged labor or early rupture of membranes
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Lack of preventive antibiotics during delivery when infection risk was known
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Extended hospital or NICU stays involving invasive procedures
Risk factors that develop after birth:
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Incomplete or delayed vaccinations
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Head trauma or skull injuries
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Neurosurgery or implanted medical devices such as cochlear implants
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Underlying medical conditions like sickle cell disease or immune disorders
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Close contact with caregivers or others who are sick
How Is Meningitis Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of meningitis and the infant’s condition.
Treatment for Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency, so infants are started on IV broad-spectrum antibiotics right away, often before the exact bacteria are known. Treatment is usually given in the hospital for 7 to 21 days, depending on the type of bacteria and how the baby responds.
Babies are closely monitored in the hospital, sometimes in the NICU, and may receive oxygen, IV fluids, or medication to control fever and seizures. Doctors may also prescribe steroids to help reduce brain swelling.
Treatment for Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis, and most children are able to recover at home in 7 to 10 days with plenty of fluids, rest, and pain medication.
However, infants that are younger than 1 month old are likely to become very ill and should be monitored in the hospital for supportive care.
Most viral causes do not have a specific medication, but if herpes simplex virus is the cause, antiviral treatment will be given through an IV.
Treatment for Fungal Meningitis
Fungal meningitis in infants is rare but serious and almost always requires hospital care, particularly in premature babies or those with weakened immune systems.
Treatment typically begins with intravenous antifungal medication, often given for several weeks to control the infection.
Once the baby's condition has stabilized, treatment may continue with oral medication for an extended period to fully clear the fungus.
Can Meningitis Be Prevented?
While it’s not possible to prevent every case of meningitis, there are several practical steps you can take to help protect your baby. Mothers can help by keeping germs away, being up to date with their baby’s vaccination, and taking care of their health during pregnancy.
Ways to lower the risk of your child getting meningitis include:
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Vaccinations – Ensure your child receives recommended vaccines, including Hib, pneumococcal, and meningococcal vaccines, which protect against common bacterial causes of meningitis.
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Maternal screening and care – Pregnant mothers should be screened for Group B Streptococcus and treated promptly for infections, including urinary or vaginal infections, to prevent transmission to the baby.
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Safe food practices – Avoid unpasteurized dairy, undercooked meats, and other foods that may carry Listeria during pregnancy.
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Hygiene and infection control – Mothers and older children should wash their hands frequently, keep surfaces disinfected, and limit your infant’s exposure to sick individuals, especially in the first months of life.
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Prompt treatment of infections – Seek medical care for any suspected infections in your baby, such as ear infections, pneumonia, or urinary tract infections, to prevent them from spreading.
Prognosis of Infant Meningitis
The outlook for infants with meningitis depends on age, the type of infection, and how quickly treatment begins. While modern care has improved prognosis, meningitis can still be serious, especially in newborns and premature babies.
Key points to know:
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Newborn survival: About 10–15% of newborns with meningitis do not survive, with higher risk in premature or very low-birth-weight infants.
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Long-term effects: Roughly 20–50% of survivors may have long-term complications, such as hearing or vision loss, learning difficulties, or motor delays, such as cerebral palsy.
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Older infants and children: Mortality is lower (5–15%), but 15–25% may still develop neurologic issues like seizures or movement problems.
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Impact of early care: Babies who receive prompt diagnosis and treatment have greater improved outcomes and lowered risks of long-term complications.
Could Meningitis Have Been Caused by Medical Malpractice?
Because meningitis in infants can develop quickly and become life-threatening within hours, any delays in diagnosis or treatment can lead to severe and lasting harm and may, in some cases, be linked to medical negligence.
Common medical mistakes may include:
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Failure to screen or treat Group B Strep during pregnancy
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Delayed diagnosis or treatment of maternal infections
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Poor infection-control practices during delivery or hospital care
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Improper sterilization of medical equipment or devices
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Delayed recognition or treatment of meningitis symptoms in the infant
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Inadequate monitoring of high-risk or premature babies
Infant Meningitis FAQs
Written and Medically Reviewed by:
Cerebral Palsy Hub Team
Cerebral Palsy Hub was founded to help support children and their families with cerebral palsy and to create a safe space for those affected. We strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information, and tools to help give your child the life they deserve.
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
