Viral Meningitis Causes Treatment and Prevention Everyday Health
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It’s been estimated that it has an annual incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 adults. (3)
Enteroviruses are present in the feces, mucus, and saliva of infected people, and are transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or surface. In temperate climates, these viruses spread most during summer and autumn, and infection rates are high all year long in tropical and subtropical climates. (2) The herpes simplex virus can be passed to other people via contact with an infected area of skin during an outbreak (when the virus is active). Other meningitis-causing viruses are spread in different ways. For instance, mumps, measles, and influenza are easily spread between the unvaccinated through coughing and sneezing, while HIV is spread through unprotected sex and sharing drug needles (since the virus is present in blood, breast milk, and seminal, vaginal, and rectal fluids).
It can be deadly in newborns and those with weakened immune systems.
These illnesses last about two to five days, then subside on their own.
Viral Meningitis Causes Treatment and Prevention
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis. It’s typically mild and resolves without treatment. By Joseph Bennington-CastroMedically Reviewed by Michael Natter, MDReviewed: September 8, 2022Medically ReviewedThough the viruses that can cause it are easily passed between people, viral meningitis itself is not very contagious.Shutterstock; iStock.com Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis. It’s typically mild and goes away without treatment. However, those who suspect they have meningitis should be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure the diagnosis. Viral meningitis is a virus-borne inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It’s far less severe than bacterial meningitis, and generally only produces mild symptoms, such as headache, nausea, bright-light sensitivity, and lethargy. But rare cases can cause more severe symptoms. The majority of cases of viral meningitis are due to non-polio enteroviruses. (1) The herpes simplex virus is the second most common cause of viral meningitis in adolescents and adults in developed countries. (2)It’s been estimated that it has an annual incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 adults. (3)
What Causes Viral Meningitis
There are a number of viruses that can cause meningitis. They include:EnterovirusesHerpes simplex virus 1 and 2Varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shinglesEpstein-Barr virusHIVInfluenzaMumpsMeaslesCytomegalovirus meningitis (CMV meningitis) Only a small number of people infected with enteroviruses will get meningitis. (1) Children younger than age 5 and people with weakened immune systems — from diseases, medication, or recent surgeries or transplants — are most likely to get meningitis from enteroviruses. Infants younger than 1 month old and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to suffer severe symptoms. (1) People who aren’t up to date on their vaccinations may get meningitis from the flu, mumps, or measles.What Are Other Causes of Viral Meningitis
Certain insects can also transmit viruses that cause meningitis, such as:West Nile virus from mosquitoes in certain parts of the Americas, Africa, West Asia, Australia, and mainland EuropeSt. Louis encephalitis virus from mosquitoes in North AmericaEncephalitis viruses from ticks in mainland Europe and Asia Those who have contact with feces or urine from house mice may get meningitis from the lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus. Hamsters and other pet rodents may also carry LCM if they have come into contact with mice. It’s estimated that 5 percent of house mice in the United States carry LCM. (4)Is Viral Meningitis Contagious
Yes, but it’s unlikely to spread. While the viruses that cause the disease are generally easily passed between people, viral meningitis itself is not very easily passed between people. When it is, it happens mostly between people who are in regular, close contact. (1,5)Enteroviruses are present in the feces, mucus, and saliva of infected people, and are transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or surface. In temperate climates, these viruses spread most during summer and autumn, and infection rates are high all year long in tropical and subtropical climates. (2) The herpes simplex virus can be passed to other people via contact with an infected area of skin during an outbreak (when the virus is active). Other meningitis-causing viruses are spread in different ways. For instance, mumps, measles, and influenza are easily spread between the unvaccinated through coughing and sneezing, while HIV is spread through unprotected sex and sharing drug needles (since the virus is present in blood, breast milk, and seminal, vaginal, and rectal fluids).
How Long Does Viral Meningitis Last
Most cases go away on their own within 7 to 10 days. (1) Sometimes recovery can take a few months; this is most likely if the meningitis is caused by West Nile virus or LCM. (6) Regardless, it is important that those who suspect they have meningitis see a medical professional to be properly assessed.Is Viral Meningitis Fatal
It can be, but according to the National Meningitis Association, it’s not as deadly or incapacitating as bacterial meningitis. (7)It can be deadly in newborns and those with weakened immune systems.
Can You Get Viral Meningitis More Than Once
Yes. But it is very rare for a person to have two or more episodes of meningitis because most people develop immunity to the virus that caused their disease. Recurrent viral meningitis is most often caused by herpes simplex 2, and sometimes herpes simplex 1. This type of the disease is called Mollaret meningitis. In order to be diagnosed as having Mollaret meningitis, an individual will have to experience at least three episodes of an illness consisting of a stiff neck, headache, fever, and other meningitis symptoms. (8)These illnesses last about two to five days, then subside on their own.