Viral meningitis is an infection of the meninges, which is the thin covering of the brain and spinal cord. It is a fairly common disease and is caused by a number of different viruses.

The symptoms of viral meningitis include: headache, stiff neck, fever, fatigue, sore throat, rash and diarrhea. The symptoms may vary with individuals. Most infected people will have no symptoms, only mild cold-like symptoms or a rash with a low-grade fever.
 

The most common cause of viral meningitis is enteroviruses. Enteroviruses are spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions like mucus and saliva. This usually happens by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing your own nose or mouth. Enteroviruses can also be found in the stool of an infected person, leading to the spread of the viruses due to unsanitary methods when changing an infected infant’s diaper. If you are around someone with viral meningitis there is a moderate chance of being infected, but a very small chance of developing meningitis.

·      Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after using the bathroom, coming into contact with stool or respiratory secretions, while caring for a sick person or before preparing food

·       Use tissues, and dispose of them properly

·       Avoid sharing utensils and drinking containers

The initial symptoms of viral meningitis can occur between three and seven days after exposure.

There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, other than bed rest and fluids.

Viral meningitis is serious, but rarely fatal in people with healthy immune systems. However, viral meningitis shares many of the symptoms of bacterial meningitis, which is very serious and can result in death or permanent disability. For this reason, if you believe you or your child has meningitis, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.

For more information online, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov.  

Or, for more information on the Health Department’s programs, please call 859.341.4264.