Symptoms of Viral Meningitis in Babies

Viral meningitis may also be referred to as aseptic meningitis. It may be caused by an enterovirus such as the coxsackie virus that usually causes hand, foot and mouth disease. Viral meningitis may also be caused by the herpes simplex virus that usually only causes cold sores. This condition causes the meninges to become inflamed. Meninges are the membranes that line the spinal cord and the brain. Meningitis is a serious disorder than needs to be treated as soon as possible. It poses serious risks such as mental retardation, deafness and even death. However, viral meningitis is usually milder and less serious than bacterial meningitis.

Fever

• Babies with meningitis will usually have a high fever.

Headache

• Babies with meningitis may have a headache. Since the baby cannot tell the caregiver that she has a headache, the baby may seen increasingly irritable or may cry more than usual.

Stiff Neck

• In addition, babies with viral meningitis may also have a stiff neck. Caregivers may notice that the baby does not want to turn his head normally.

Light Sensitivity

• Another common symptom of meningitis is light sensitivity. Babies may seem irritated by bright lights.

Other Possible Symptoms

• While the previous symptoms are the most common symptoms of meningitis, babies may have other varied symptoms. Some babies may refuse food, have diarrhea and may vomit. Babies may also have a rash or blotchy skin that appears pale of bluish. In addition, babies may have trouble breathing. Sometimes the soft spot on the baby's head may seem to be firm or bulging, and their hands and feet may feel cold to the touch. Babies with meningitis may also experience a seizure.