World Meningitis Day: Viral Meningitis

In our last blog, we discussed one of the two most common forms of meningitis: Bacterial Meningitis. Today, we are discussing the other most common type: Viral Meningitis. 

Viral Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. It is often less severe than bacterial meningitis, and most people recover on their own or without treatment. However, it is still vital for anyone with symptoms of meningitis to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as it can become serious.

The Causes of Viral Meningitis

Non-polio enteroviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis within the United States. These enteroviruses cause approximately 10 to 15 million infections and tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year. Most people who get infected with these viruses don't become sick, or they only have a mild illness like the common cold. Some, however, can have serious complications, especially infants and those who have a weak immune system. Only a small number of people infected with enteroviruses will actually develop meningitis.

Other viruses that can cause meningitis are:

• Mumps Virus
• Herpesviruses: including, herpes simplex viruses and varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles)
• Measles Virus
• Influenza Virus
• Arboviruses, such as the West Nile Virus
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus

Risk Factors and Spread

You can develop viral meningitis at any age, but some do have a higher risk of getting the disease, including:

• Children under 5 years old
• People with weakened immune systems caused by diseases, medications (for example: chemotherapy), and recent organ or bone marrow transplants. 

How Viral Meningitis Spreads

If you are in close contact with a person who has viral meningitis, you may become infected with the virus that made that person sick. However; that doesn't necessarily mean that you'll develop meningitis. In fact, you are not likely to develop meningitis, and that is because only a small number of people who get infected with the viruses that cause meningitis will actually develop viral meningitis.

Symptoms of Viral Meningitis

Similarly to bacterial meningitis, the symptoms for both babies, children and adults are quite universal.

Common symptoms in babies include:

• Fever
• Irritability
• Poor eating
• Sleepiness, or trouble waking up from sleep
• Lethargy, or a lack of energy

Common symptoms in children and adults include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Excessive sleepiness, or trouble waking up from sleep
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy

 Initial symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those for bacterial meningitis, however bacterial meningitis is usually severe and can cause serious complications.

As always, it is critical to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you think you or your child may have meningitis. Only a doctor can determine if you have the disease, the type of meningitis, and the best treatment. 

Diagnosis & Treatment

Meningitis is only diagnosed by doing specific lab tests on specimens from a person suspected of having meningitis. The doctor may collect samples for testing by:

• Swabbing your nose and throat
• Obtaining a stool sample
• Drawing blood or drawing fluid from around your spinal cord

In most cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people usually recover without treatment within a week to ten days. However, those with meningitis caused by certain viruses, such as herpesvirus and influenza, will usually need treatment such as antiviral medicine.

Preventing Viral Meningitis

Unfortunately, there are no vaccines to protect against non-polio enteroviruses, which are the most common cause of viral meningitis. The following steps  can be taken to help lower the risk of getting infected with non-polio enteroviruses, or spreading them to other people:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers, using the bathroom, coughing, or blowing your nose
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils with people who are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or use the upper part of your shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.

Some vaccinations can protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, and influenza - all of which can lead to viral meningitis. Make sure that you and your child are vaccinated on schedule. 

If possible, avoid bites from mosquitoes and other insects that carry diseases that can infect humans, and control mice and rats. If you have a rodent in or around your home, follow the cleaning and control precautions listed on the CDC's website about lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

As always, whether bacterial or viral, meningitis can quickly turn serious if not treated right away. Seek medical attention if you or a loved one suspect symptoms of meningitis. Stay tuned for Part 3 of the Meningitis series, where we will discuse the other four types of meningitis, and how to protect yourself from them. 

Viral Meningitis from Mountainside Medical Equipment on Vimeo.