What is Viral Meningitis?
- Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, an inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord.
- It is often less severe than bacterial meningitis, and most people get better on their own (without treatment).
- Babies younger than 1 month old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness from viral meningitis.
Risk Factors
You can get viral meningitis at any age. However, some people have a higher risk of getting the disease, including
- children younger than 5 years old, and
- people with weakened immune systems caused by diseases, medications (such as chemotherapy), and recent organ or bone marrow transplantations.
Babies younger than 1 month old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.
How is Viral Meningitis spread?
The viruses which most often cause meningitis (enteroviruses) are spread through direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person. This usually happens by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing one’s own nose, mouth or eyes. These viruses can also be found in the stool of persons who are infected and can be spread to anyone who helps with toileting or handles the diapers of an infected person.
Symptoms
Common symptoms in babies:
- Fever
- Irritability
- Poor eating
- Sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep
- Lethargy (a lack of energy)
Common symptoms in adults:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy (a lack of energy)
How soon after infection do symptoms of viral meningitis appear?
Viral meningitis symptoms usually begin between three to seven days after becoming infected with an enterovirus. These symptoms usually last from seven to ten days and the patient recovers completely. It should be noted that only a small percentage of people who become infected with an enterovirus will develop viral meningitis.
When and for how long is a person able to spread viral meningitis?
A person infected with viral meningitis is contagious for about one week after symptoms develop.
What are the complications associated with viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is an illness that usually goes away on its own without treatment or complications.
Treatment
In most cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people who get viral meningitis completely recover on their own within 7 to 10 days.
Prevention
There are no vaccines to protect against non-polio enteroviruses, which are the most common cause of viral meningitis. You can take the following steps to help lower your chances of getting infected with non-polio enteroviruses or spreading them to other people:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, or coughing or blowing your nose.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
Some vaccinations can protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, and influenza, that can lead to viral meningitis. Make sure you and your child are vaccinated on schedule.