Mosquitoes & Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is defined as an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the brain. According to the Department of Health Promotion and Education (DPHE), viral meningitis is common but not serious most of the time. You can contract the virus from mosquitoes.

Types

• Meningitis can be caused by either a virus or bacteria. The bacterial variety is much more serious and cannot be carried by mosquitoes.

Geography

• According to DPHE, mosquito-borne viral meningitis exists in all regions of the world. It is most common in warmer weather when mosquitoes are active.

Identification

• People with viral meningitis exhibit symptoms such as headache, lethargy, fever and a stiff neck.

Considerations

• According to DPHE, while anyone can get viral meningitis, it most often affects children and teenagers.

Time Frame

• Symptoms usually appear a week after infection. According to DPHE, most cases last less than 10 days, and recovery is almost always full.