What is meningitis? Understanding the disease linked to actress Daveigh Chase's death

Meningitis was among the conditions that reportedly led to the death of Daveigh Chase, best known for her roles in “The Ring” and “Lilo & Stitch.”

According to TMZ, her boyfriend Roy Hernandez said the actress died from meningitis and a blood infection that caused sepsis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers meningitis a major global public health challenge because of its potential to cause death and long-term health complications.

Understanding the disease can help people recognize its symptoms and risks.

What is meningitis?

WHO explained that meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) similarly defines it as inflammation or swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

WHO describes meningitis as a "devastating disease" that can be deadly and may result in serious long-term health problems. The organization notes that the condition requires urgent medical care.

What causes meningitis?

WHO says meningitis can be caused by many different organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. A small number of cases can also result from injuries, cancers, or certain medications.

The CDC likewise lists viral infections, bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasites, amoebas, injuries, cancer, and some drugs among the possible causes.

Among these, bacterial meningitis is considered the most dangerous.

According to WHO, bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening condition responsible for many meningitis-related deaths worldwide. The organization says around one in six people who develop bacterial meningitis die, while one in five survivors may experience severe complications.

Common bacteria linked to bacterial meningitis include Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus).

WHO notes that these bacteria can also cause other serious illnesses, including sepsis—a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection damages its own tissues and organs.

Who can get meningitis?

According to WHO, meningitis can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any age.

However, some groups face higher risks. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to Group B streptococcus, while children and adolescents are more likely to develop meningitis caused by meningococcus, pneumococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae. Adults can also develop bacterial meningitis, especially from pneumococcus and meningococcus.

People with weakened immune systems and those living with HIV may face an increased risk of certain types of meningitis.

What are the symptoms?

WHO and the CDC list several common symptoms of meningitis, including:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion or altered mental status

WHO adds that some patients may also experience seizures, coma, or neurological problems such as limb weakness.

Symptoms in infants can be different and may include:

• Unusual behavior or difficulty waking up
• Irritability
• Weak or continuous crying
• Poor feeding
• A bulging soft spot on the head

According to WHO, some bacterial infections can quickly progress to sepsis, causing symptoms such as cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, and, in some cases, a distinctive skin rash.

How fatal is it?

According to WHO, bacterial meningitis is responsible for more than half of meningitis-related deaths worldwide. The agency also estimates that around one in six people who develop bacterial meningitis die, highlighting why the disease is considered a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

"Meningitis is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical attention in an appropriate health-care facility," WHO said.

Because bacterial meningitis can worsen rapidly, WHO recommends starting antibiotic treatment as soon as the disease is suspected rather than waiting for all test results to become available.

Can people recover from meningitis?

Many people recover, but complications can occur.

According to WHO, one in five survivors of bacterial meningitis may experience long-term effects, including hearing loss, seizures, limb weakness, vision problems, speech and language difficulties, memory issues, and communication challenges.

People who develop severe sepsis may also suffer scarring or require limb amputations.

Can meningitis be prevented?

WHO says vaccination offers the best protection against common forms of bacterial meningitis.

Vaccines are available for meningitis caused by meningococcus, pneumococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). WHO describes vaccines as "the most effective way to deliver long-lasting protection."

The CDC and WHO also note that some forms of bacterial and viral meningitis can spread from person to person. Health authorities recommend frequent handwashing, avoiding the sharing of personal items such as cups and toothbrushes, and seeking medical advice if a household member has been diagnosed with meningitis.

Raising awareness

Each year, World Meningitis Day is observed on October 5 to raise awareness about the disease, its symptoms, and the vaccines that can help prevent it, according to the CDC.

While meningitis is relatively uncommon, health experts stress that recognizing symptoms early and seeking immediate medical care can be critical, particularly in cases caused by bacteria, which can quickly lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis. —CDC, GMA News