Viral Meningitis Fact Sheet
Meningitis is an infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord
Meningitis can be caused by many different germs including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Viral meningitis (also called aseptic meningitis) is the most common type of meningitis. Viral meningitis can also be a complication of mumps, chickenpox, or other viral diseases. Viral meningitis is seen most often in children and young adults, but anyone can get viral meningitis.
The viruses that cause meningitis are often spread from person to person
Most cases of viral meningitis are caused by viruses called "enteroviruses." These viruses can be spread by direct contact with saliva or mucus of an infected person. The virus is frequently spread to others by contact with feces, especially among small children who are not toilet trained and to adults who change diapers of an infected infant. The virus is present in the feces of an infected person for weeks.
Symptoms of meningitis may include:
- Sudden headache
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Eyes sensitive to bright lights
Symptoms in infants may include irritability, refusal to eat, and difficulty waking the baby.
Symptoms usually begin within 10 days after exposure to the virus. Illness usually lasts less than 10 days. People usually recover completely without specific treatment.
No specific antiviral treatment is available
Bed rest, fluids, and medicine to relieve fever and headache may help a person with viral meningitis feel better.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you think you have meningitis
Your doctor can determine whether the meningitis is due to a virus or bacteria. Meningitis due to bacteria is treated with antibiotics. Meningitis due to viruses is not treated with antibiotics.
Hand washing helps prevent infection. Hands should be washed with soap and water:
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers
- After sneezing or coughing
- Before handling food or drink
- Before eating
Avoid sharing things that may have another person�s saliva on them, such as eating utensils, drinking containers, and cigarettes. In settings like child care centers, washing objects and surfaces with a dilute bleach solution (1� cups of household bleach mixed with one gallon of water) can be a very effective way to destroy the virus.
Q1: What is viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges, caused primarily by viruses. This condition can lead to symptoms such as headache, fever, and a stiff neck, but it tends to be less severe than bacterial meningitis. The body’s immune system usually resolves the infection without the need for aggressive medical intervention.
Q2: What are the common causes of viral meningitis?
A variety of viruses can cause viral meningitis, with the most common being enteroviruses, which are prevalent in the summer and fall. Other viruses that can lead to this condition include the mumps virus, herpes simplex virus, and the West Nile virus, among others. Infection can occur when these viruses enter the body the respiratory tract or gastrointestinal system, eventually affecting the central nervous system.
Q3: How is viral meningitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of viral meningitis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Physicians often conduct a physical examination and may order a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, to collect cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This fluid is tested for signs of infection, such as the presence of white blood cells and antibodies, which helps differentiate viral meningitis from bacterial meningitis and other conditions.
Q4: is the treatment and prognosis for viral meningitis?
Most cases of viral meningitis do not require specific medical treatment and the focus is on alleviating symptoms. Patients are often advised to rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medications for pain and fever. The prognosis for viral meningitis is generally good, with most individuals recovering fully within days to weeks, though some may experience lingering symptoms. In severe cases, especially with specific viruses, closer medical attention may be necessary.