Tyler Rosen, age 13, of Prescott, Ariz., for his question:

WHAT CAUSES MENINGITIS?

Meninges are the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal column. Meningitis is an inflammation or swelling and soreness of the meninges. It is often caused by a bacteria called meningococci.

Bacteria can enter the body through the throat. The germs grow fast in the blood causing fever and chills and usually a red rash on the skin. Soon the germs settle in the meninges causing the inflammation. This causes pressure in the head which strikes as a strong headache. Next the neck can become stiff and the patient can vomit or even convulse.

Antibiotics are used to cure meningitis. They have cut the death rate of the disease down to 10 percent.

Meningitis may be part of tuberculosis.