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Viral (Aseptic) Meningitis
What is meningitis? Meningitis is an illness in which there is inflammation of the tissues
that cover the brain and spinal cord. Viral or aseptic meningitis, which is
the most common type, is caused by an infection with one of several types of
viruses. Meningitis can also be caused by infections with several types of
bacteria or fungi. What are the symptoms of meningitis? The symptoms of meningitis may not be the same for every person. The more
common symptoms are fever, severe headache, stiff neck, bright lights hurt
the eyes, drowsiness or confusion, and nausea and vomiting. In babies, the
symptoms are more difficult to identify. They may include fever, fretfulness
or irritability, difficulty in awakening the baby, or the baby refuses to
eat. Is viral meningitis a serious disease? Viral (aseptic) meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in persons with
normal immune systems. Usually, the symptoms last from 7 to 10 days and the
person recovers completely. Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, can be
very serious and result in disability or death if not treated promptly.
Often, the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are the
same. For this reason, if you think you or your child has meningitis, see
your doctor as soon as possible. What causes viral meningitis? Many different viruses can cause meningitis. About 90% of cases of viral
meningitis are caused by members of a group of viruses known as
enteroviruses, such as coxsackieviruses and echoviruses. Herpesviruses and
the mumps virus can also cause aseptic meningitis. How is viral meningitis diagnosed? Viral meningitis is usually diagnosed by laboratory tests of spinal fluid
obtained with a spinal tap. It can also be diagnosed by tests that identify
the virus in specimens collected from the patient, but these tests are not
usually done. How is viral meningitis treated? No specific treatment for viral meningitis exists at this time. Most
patients recover completely on their own, and doctors often will recommend
bed rest, plenty of fluids, and medicine to relieve fever and headache.Can
I get viral meningitis if I'm around someone who has it? The viruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious. Enteroviruses, for
example, are very common during the summer and early fall, and many people
are exposed to them. However, most infected persons either have no symptoms
or develop only a cold or rash with low-grade fever. Typically, fewer than 1
of every 1000 persons infected actually develop meningitis. Therefore, if you
are around someone who has viral meningitis, you have a moderate chance of
becoming infected, but a very small chance of developing meningitis. How is the virus spread? Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are most often
spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., saliva,
sputum, or nasal mucus). This usually happens by shaking hands with an
infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing
your own nose, mouth or eyes. The virus can also be found in the stool of
persons who are infected. The virus is spread through this route mainly among
small children who are not yet toilet trained. It can also be spread this way
to adults changing the diapers of an infected infant. The incubation period
is usually between 3 and 7 days from the time you are infected until you
develop symptoms. You can usually spread the virus to someone else beginning
about 3 days after you are infected until about 10 days after you develop
symptoms. How can I reduce my chances of becoming infected? Because most persons who are infected with enteroviruses do not become
sick, it can be difficult to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are in
contact with someone who has viral meningitis, however, the most effective
method of prevention is to wash your hands thoroughly and often. In
institutional settings such as child care centers, washing objects and
surfaces with a dilute bleach solution (made by mixing 1 capful of household
bleach with 1 gallon water) can be a very effective way to inactivate the
virus. Information provided
by the 16 May
1999 Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than
180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College
physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial
Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals
and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. |
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