A Brief 101 About Meningitis for Massage Therapists & Bodyworkers

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis.^xxxix It is important to know the specific cause of meningitis because bacterial and viral meningitis are considered contagious and can be lethal.

Bacterial Meningitis

Generally, the germs that cause bacterial meningitis spread from one person to another. Certain germs can spread through food. How people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria.[i]

Viral Meningitis

People can spread the viruses that cause viral meningitis to other people. If you have close contact with someone who has viral meningitis, they may spread the virus to you. However, you are not likely to develop meningitis. That is because most people infected with these viruses will not develop meningitis.^xxxix

If your client has been diagnosed with meningitis, you need to learn the cause and whether or not their meningitis is infectious. 

Any disease that is infectious is a massage therapy and bodywork contraindication.

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[i] National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “Meningitis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 Apr. 2018, www.cdc.gov/meningitis/.