Viral Meningitis
Also known as: Aseptic Meningitis
What is it?
Viral meningitis is an infection of the
covering of the brain and spinal cord, called the
meninges, that is caused by a virus. Viral
meningitis may also be called aseptic meningitis.
Who gets it?
Viral meningitis is more common in very young
children, under the age of five, but can also
affect adults.
What causes it?
Viral meningitis can be caused by a direct
viral infection or can result from another viral
infection, such as mumps and measles, the flu, the
herpes simplex virus, the chicken pox virus, and
the rabies virus, as well as a number of viruses
that are transmitted through the bites of infected
mosquitoes. Most cases of viral meningitis are
caused by members of a group of viruses known as
enteroviruses. The virus that causes meningitis is
contagious, meaning it can be passed from one
person to another through contact with the saliva,
mucus, or stool of the infected person. People
with viral meningitis are contagious anywhere from
two days to two weeks, depending upon the type of
virus that causes the infection.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms of viral meningitis are flu-like
and include sudden high fever, headache, vomiting,
weakness, and stiff neck. The neck is so stiff
that the patient cannot lower the chin to the
chest. The patient may be confused or difficult to
wake.
How is it diagnosed?
Because viral meningitis has symptoms in common
with bacterial meningitis, which is
life-threatening, it's important to get an
immediate diagnosis. Your doctor will evaluate
your or your child's symptoms, looking for
specific signs such as the combination of fever,
headache, and stiff neck. To confirm the
diagnosis, your doctor will need to do a lumbar
puncture, also known as a spinal tap, to withdraw
some cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and check for a
viral infection. Before the fluid is withdrawn, an
area in the lower back is numbed with a local
anesthetic. Then, a long, hollow needle is
inserted into the spinal canal to withdraw the
fluid. If the symptoms are caused by a virus, the
fluid will have a high number of white blood
cells. The fluid will also be examined under a
microscope and sent to a laboratory where it will
be grown (cultured) in case a bacteria is present.
What is the treatment?
Viral meningitis can usually be treated at
home, with full recovery anywhere from two days to
two weeks. While there are no medications that
cure viral meningitis, you can relieve discomfort
with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Your doctor will
also recommend bed rest and drinking plenty of
fluids. Because viral meningitis is contagious,
patients should not resume normal activities until
they have approval from their doctor.
Self-care tips
Seek medical treatment for yourself or your
child as soon as you observe any symptoms of
meningitis, especially high fever combined with
headache, lethargy, and stiff neck. If you or your
child has viral meningitis, you should wash your
hands frequently to avoid passing the infection on
to others. Do not share food or eating utensils,
and avoid contact with bodily fluids, such as
saliva.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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