In the 86th Legislature, HB 3884 required DSHS to create procedures for school districts to provide information relating to bacterial meningitis to students and parents. DSHS shall prescribe the form and content of the information.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is the most common and the least serious form. Bacterial meningitis is the most likely form to cause serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
Multiple organisms can cause bacterial meningitis. Two common types are Streptococcus pneumoniae, with more than 80 serogroups that can cause illness, and Neisseria meningitidis, with five serogroups that most commonly cause meningitis.
Texas Department of State Health Services
Information about Bacterial Meningitis- English/ Espanol
Learn more about invasive meningococcal disease.
