Meningitis affects the brain, making it one of the most dangerous of infectious diseases. Infections, medical procedures, accidents, or chemicals can inflame these membranes. Both bacteria and viruses cause meningitis.
When any virus causes meningitis, the result is viral meningitis. Usually the term is used for specific viruses that cause a mild meningitis and no other symptoms or diseases.
Viral meningitis is quite common and a relatively mild illness, when compared to most bacterial meningitis. Some physicians call it aseptic meningitis because bacteria do not grow in the spinal fluid. Because they know that the patient has meningitis but do not know the cause, they say that it is aseptic.
It is spread by direct contact with infected feces or nose and throat secretions. Most children carry the virus without becoming ill. It spreads most rapidly among young children and in any group-living situation where sinks and running water are in short supply. It usually strikes young children in the summer and early autumn. Anyone can get the disease, but most people over 40 are immune.
How can I reduce my chances of becoming infected ?
Because most persons who are infected with enteroviruses do not become sick, it can be difficult to prevent the spread of the virus. However, adhering to good personal hygiene can help to reduce your chances of becoming infected. If you are in contact with someone who has viral meningitis, the most effective method of prevention is to wash your hands thoroughly and often. Also, cleaning contaminated surfaces and then disinfecting them with a dilute solution of chlorine containing bleach (made by mixing approximately ¼ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water) can be a very effective way to inactivate the virus, especially in institutional settings such as child care centers.
