It is very unusual for anyone to have meningitis more than once, but it is possible. Most people some develop immunity to the organism that has caused their disease. However, there are several different causes of meningitis and therefore it is possible, but rare, to have the disease more than once.

What causes meningitis to return?

Occasionally, people have two or more episodes of meningitis. Recurrent meningitis may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other conditions.

Can bacterial meningitis come back years later?

Tissues Covering the Brain

Bacterial meningitis may be subacute rather than acute. Chronic meningitis develops slowly, over weeks or longer, and may last for months to years. Rarely, chronic meningitis causes only mild symptoms and resolves on its own.