Viral Meningitis
This Strain of Meningitis is Caused by a Viral Infection
Viral meningitis, although less serious than bacterial meningitis, is still a threat to people of all ages. Learn ways to prevent this neurological illness.
Causes/ Spread of Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis, the most common form of meningitis, can be caused by several different viral infections. About 90% of all viral meningitis cases are caused by a group of viruses called "endoviruses." Viral meningitis can also be caused by such viruses as the mumps and herpes.
Viral meningitis, much like the bacterial variety, is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions such as mucus and saliva. The virus is spread by kissing; sharing food, utensils, or cigarettes; and even simply by being in close contact with others (spread through coughing or sneezing.) Another way of developing viral meningitis is by being exposed to contaminated feces (dirty diapers.)
Signs/ Symptoms of Viral Meningitis
There are key signs and symptoms that indicate meningitis infection. Symptoms for viral and bacterial meningitis are the same, although the bacterial variety can escalate quickly and lead to other complications. Since close contact with infected people can spread the illness, those who have close relationships with infected patients or those who have been in close proximity to them should also be aware of potential symptoms:
- severe headaches
- high fever/chills
- stiff neck
- light sensitivity
- nausea/vomiting
- confusion/mental changes
- sleepiness
Viral Meningitis Diagnosis and Treatment
Patients who present with meningitis symptoms must be diagnosed and treated correctly. Symptoms are the first key to proper diagnosis. Since time is of the essence, the important job is to determine the type of meningitis. Doctors will perform lumbar punctures (spinal taps) to check spinal fluid to rule out other bacterial or viral infections. This procedure can pinpoint herpes, syphilis, or Lyme disease infections. The lumbar puncture will indicate if the infection is in fact meningitis, and whether it is bacterial or viral.
Treatment for viral meningitis can range from a hospital stay (if the case is serious) to resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. The majority of patients with viral meningitis recuperate on their own within 2-3 weeks.
Viral Meningitis Prevention
Viral meningitis, unlike bacterial, has no vaccine. Luckily, the chance of developing viral meningitis is low, because a majority of people who are exposed to the virus do not contract full-blown meningitis.
Regardless of this fact, some precautions can prevent cases that might develop. Much like with colds and flus, it is important to avoid spreading the virus by hands or by mouth. Keep hands clean and do not stick dirty hands in the mouth or near eyes or nose. When sneezing, cover mouth and nose with the inside of the elbow, not with a hand, since a hand is more likely to come in contact with another person and spread the virus. Also, when changing diapers, it is important to wash hands and work surfaces thoroughly afterwards.
- For more information about meningitis, read Bacterial Meningitis Scare and Meningitis Diagnosis and Treatment
- For related neurological information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog
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