inflammation of the meninges, the membranes protecting the brain or spinal cord. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection, and the symptoms include headache, stiff neck, fever and nausea. In recent years, major efforts have been made to curb the spread and deadliness of meningitis. For example, in 1944, penicillin was demonstrated to be effective, and there have been several vaccines developed for combating this disease.