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.
Prevention ?
There is no current vaccine available to prevent anyone from developing viral meningitis. A majority of those with enteroviruses aren't symptomatic, so it's tough to prevent the spread of viral meningitis. The best protection against viral meningitis is washing hands thoroughly and frequently.
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.
