|  | Conditions Treatments | Viruses

Viral Meningitis Exposure & Treatment

Viral meningitis is a viral infection of the protective membranes that cover the spinal cord leading up to the brain. Affecting mostly children, it is important to understand factors dealing with exposure and treatment of this illness.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of viral meningitis include a stiff neck, headache and high fever. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viral meningitis symptoms can develop over several hours or take a couple of days before the virus is in full force. Additional symptoms may include nausea, pain or aching sensation when looking at bright lights, confusion and drowsiness.

    Exposure to Viral Meningitis

    • Viral meningitis is caused by a variety of viruses, the most common being enteroviruses (a group of various viruses). These viruses are mostly spread through direct contact with the stool of an infected individual. This is one of the main reasons viral meningitis is found mostly in young children, as they do not have a complete understanding of sanitation, and are often not potty trained. Some adults are at risk when changing diapers, as risk of contact with contaminated stool rise; however, most adults over the age of 40 are immune to viral meningitis. Enteroviruses can also be spread through respiratory fluids like saliva. It is important to note that not all enteroviruses lead to viral meningitis. On a regular basis, people carry enteroviruses on their body and throughout their system with out ever getting ill; however, in some cases the virus travels to the meninges, causing infection.

    Treatment

    • Viral meningitis is a serious illness; however, most people make a full recovery with in 7 to 10 days. There is no treatment for viral meningitis. If you or your child displays symptoms of meningitis, go to the hospital immediately. Doctors need to rule out bacterial meningitis, a deadly and extremely serious infection. Once bacterial meningitis is ruled out, patients are sent home and are advised to rest in a dark room (lights may cause pain), drink water and eat bland, easily digested food to prevent vomiting. Only acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be administered to relieve fever. If symptoms do not improve over several days, or if the pain in the neck or head becomes severe, contact your doctor immediately; fluid buildup near the brain is a serious complication of viral meningitis. Though rare, fluid buildup and pressure is the main concern of doctors and patients.

Viruses - Related Articles