Viral Meningitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Viral meningitis is a serious infection that causes symptoms such as severe headache, fever, and neck stiffness. It occurs due to inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

This condition is usually caused by viruses such as enteroviruses (echovirus, coxsackievirus, and poliovirus), arboviruses, mumps virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella-zoster virus, measles virus, rubella virus, rotavirus, and HIV-1.

Because viral meningitis can spread from person to person, it is important to take preventive measures such as washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. In most cases, viral meningitis is curable and relatively easy to treat, usually requiring only pain relievers and fever reducers to relieve symptoms.

Viral meningitis symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of viral meningitis include:

• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C);

• Severe headache;

• Neck stiffness, making it difficult to move the neck or touch the chin to the chest;

• Nausea and vomiting;

• Sensitivity to light;

• Irritability;

• Difficulty waking up;

• Loss of appetite.

In most cases, symptoms last for about 7 to 10 days. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully to prevent complications, especially when viral meningitis occurs during infancy, as babies under one year of age are at greater risk of neurological problems.

Confirming a diagnosis

Diagnosis of viral meningitis is made by a general practitioner, neurologist, or infectious disease specialist based on an evaluation of symptoms and a physical exam, which may include gently moving the neck to check for stiffness or pain.

The diagnosis is confirmed through lab tests, such as blood and urine tests, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. CSF is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and analyzing it helps identify the virus responsible for the infection.

Transmission and spread

Viral meningitis can be caused by several different viruses, which means the infection can spread in various ways depending on the virus involved. However, the main routes of transmission generally include:

• Sharing cups, plates, or utensils;

• Exposure to coughs, sneezes, or saliva from an infected person;

• Touching the eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with contaminated surfaces;

• Close contact with an infected person, such as kissing or handshakes;

• Consuming contaminated food or water;

• Mosquito bites, in cases caused by arboviruses.

Most people with viral meningitis do not need to be hospitalized or isolated. However, if the doctor believes avoiding close contact with others can help recovery, temporary isolation may be recommended.

Treatment options

Treatment for viral meningitis is usually done at home and focuses on relieving symptoms, as there are no specific antiviral medications for most types of viral meningitis. The exception is when the condition is caused by the herpes zoster or herpes simplex viruses, in which case a doctor may prescribe acyclovir.

To help relieve symptoms, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be recommended to reduce pain and fever. Rest and adequate fluid intake throughout the day are also important for recovery.

In more severe cases, hospitalization may be required so that intravenous (IV) medications and fluids can be given to help control symptoms until the virus is cleared from the body.

Treatment typically lasts 7 to 10 days. During this time, it is important to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus, such as wearing a mask, avoiding sharing food, drinks, or personal items (like utensils or toothbrushes), and washing hands frequently.