Which of the following disease states can lead to meningitis?

The presence of polio and Haemophilus influenzae as causes of meningitis is grounded in their established roles in disease pathology. Poliovirus, the agent responsible for poliomyelitis, can invade the central nervous system and lead to an inflammatory response that may result in meningitis. Similarly, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a well-documented cause of bacterial meningitis, particularly in unvaccinated populations or among children under five. This bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

The other options include diseases that are not typically associated with causing meningitis. Measles and mumps can lead to viral complications, including encephalitis but are not primarily known for causing meningitis. Rubella is primarily known for its congenital implications rather than for causing meningitis. Chickenpox can sometimes lead to neurological complications, but it is not a common cause of meningitis. Influenza can lead to severe respiratory illness and complications but again is not a traditionally recognized direct cause of meningitis.

Understanding these associations helps clarify why polio and Haemophilus influenzae are the correct choices in this context.