What Is Viral Meningitis? Symptoms, Causes, and More.

Viral meningitis is an inflammation in the membranes around your brain and spinal cord. It is caused by different viruses and is usually milder than the bacterial type.

Meningitis is a swelling of the protective membranes around your brain or spinal cord (meninges). It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. But it may also be caused by other things, such as medications or autoimmune conditions.

Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type of meningitis. It can be caused by several different types of viruses. While the viruses that cause meningitis can be spread from person to person, they don’t usually develop into meningitis in most people.

What is viral meningitis?

Viral meningitis occurs when a viral infection causes inflammation in your brain and spinal cord meninges. It’s less serious than bacterial meningitis and usually has flu-like symptoms. Babies and young children are more vulnerable to viral meningitis, but it can develop in anyone.

While viral meningitis isn’t usually serious and often resolves on its own, complications are possible. It can be more serious in individuals who are immunocompromised or who have other health conditions.

Vision and hearing loss and learning and memory difficulties are potential long-term complications of viral meningitis. People who are immunocompromised or who have certain viruses are at higher risk of more serious complications.

What are the symptoms of viral meningitis?

Viral meningitis has the same symptoms as general meningitis. Symptoms of viral meningitis include:

• headache
• stiff neck
• fever
• light sensitivity
• nausea
• vomiting
• confusion (altered mental status)

In infants and newborns, these symptoms may be less clear. Some symptoms of viral meningitis your infant could have include:

• vomiting
• lack of activity
• irritability
• difficulty feeding
• abnormal reflexes
• bulging fontanelle (the “soft spot” on a baby’s head)

What causes viral meningitis?

There are several viruses that can cause meningitis. These include:

• Enteroviruses: These are the most common cause of viral meningitis in any age group. These include coxsackievirus and echovirus, which are very common in young children.
• Parechovirus: This is another virus common in infants and small children.
• Herpesviruses: Members of this viral family cause chickenpox and shingles and Epstein-Barr virus.
• Arboviruses: Often spread by mosquitoes, these viruses cause West Nile virus and Zika virus.
• Adenovirus: Infection by adenovirus usually causes flu-like symptoms.

Often, many of these viruses can be transmitted from person to person by:

• coughing
• sneezing
• sharing personal items
• touching contaminated surfaces
• close contact with a person who has one of these viruses

How is viral meningitis diagnosed?

A series of tests can confirm a diagnosis of viral meningitis.

These tests could include:

• Neurological exam: These exams help evaluate your brain and nervous system function.
• Lumbar puncture test (spinal tap): A spinal tap takes a small amount of your cerebral spinal fluid for testing.
• Stool sample: A stool sample (sample of your feces) may be collected to test it for viruses or other infections.
• Imaging tests: Tests such as a CT or MRI can help a doctor look for brain changes possibly due to meningitis.
• Nasal swab: This test collects a sample of mucus to test for viral infections.
• Blood tests: These tests may be done to help determine if a viral or bacterial infection is present:
  • blood culture
  • complete blood count (CBC)
  • procalcitonin (test to diagnose sepsis)
  • total protein count

What’s the treatment for viral meningitis?

Mild viral meningitis will often clear up on its own in about 7 to 10 days.

There are no effective therapies that specifically treat viral meningitis. Antibiotic medications are appropriate for bacterial meningitis but not for viral meningitis.

Some viruses, such as herpes simplex and varicella-zoster, may respond to antiviral medications like acyclovir.

Other treatments for viral meningitis focus on symptom management:

• Pain relievers: These are used to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Corticosteroids: These medications can reduce inflammation.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids: This can prevent dehydration and maintain your electrolyte balance.

Preventing viral meningitis

You can reduce your risk of contracting viral meningitis with some basic prevention strategies:

• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Wash your hands often.
• Stay home when you’re sick, and keep children out of school.
• Disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Stay up to date on vaccines, especially those for chickenpox, flu, measles, and shingles.

What’s the outlook for people with viral meningitis?

The outlook for someone with viral meningitis is usually good. It usually goes away on its own within a week or two and doesn’t usually require a hospital stay.

If your symptoms warrant a hospital stay, expect to be treated with care that manages your symptoms

Is viral meningitis contagious?

Meningitis itself isn’t contagious, but the virus that causes it may be — depending on the virus. Many times, a person will contract the virus but won’t develop meningitis.

What is the survival rate of viral meningitis?

The survival rate of viral meningitis is high, with most people recovering within 2 weeks. Newborns and people with weakened immune systems have more potential for complications.

What is the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?

Viral and bacterial meningitis are similar, but one is caused by viruses, the other by bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is usually more serious. Viral meningitis is typically less severe and more common.

What is Viral Meningitis?

Viral meningitis is an inflammation ​of ‌the⁣ protective membranes covering the ‌brain and spinal cord, known ‍as the meninges, ‍caused by a viral‍ infection. It is generally less ‌severe than bacterial meningitis.

What are the Common ‍Symptoms⁤ of Viral Meningitis?

Common symptoms include headache, fever, stiff neck, ⁢sensitivity to light, sleepiness, and nausea. These symptoms can resemble those of⁢ other‍ illnesses, so medical diagnosis is important.

How is Viral Meningitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through ⁣a lumbar ⁤puncture (spinal tap) to test the cerebrospinal fluid for signs of infection, as‍ well as blood‍ tests and imaging scans when necessary.

What Causes Viral Meningitis?

Viral meningitis is most often caused by a group of⁣ viruses​ known as enteroviruses, but other viruses like mumps, herpes simplex, and influenza can also cause it.

Is Viral Meningitis Contagious?

Yes, viral meningitis can ⁤be contagious, particularly through contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions or feces. However, not everyone who comes into contact with these viruses will develop meningitis.

How ⁤is Viral Meningitis Treated?

Most people with viral meningitis recover fully on their own after rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Severe ​cases might require hospitalization and⁢ antiviral medications.

Who is at ⁢Risk for Viral Meningitis?

While anyone can get ⁣viral meningitis, those with weakened immune systems, children, and⁢ people who are frequently in close contact with others are at higher‍ risk.

Can Viral Meningitis be Prevented?

Maintaining good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close ‍contact with infected individuals, can help prevent the spread of ⁣viral meningitis. Vaccinations for viruses that cause meningitis can also offer protection.

What is the Prognosis for Someone⁢ with Viral Meningitis?

The prognosis⁤ for viral meningitis is generally good, with most⁢ people ​recovering fully without any long-term effects, although fatigue and other mild symptoms may persist for​ a while.

When Should You Seek Medical⁤ Help for Viral Meningitis?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such ‌as a severe headache, high​ fever, stiff neck, or if symptoms rapidly worsen, as early diagnosis and care can ‌prevent complications.

Takeaway

Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious form of meningitis. It can be caused by several different viruses. It’s common in infants and young children, but it can occur in anyone.

While the viruses that cause meningitis are often contagious, people who contract the viruses don’t usually develop meningitis. Most people recover from viral meningitis in about 10 days without any long-term complications.