Viral Meningitis

What is it?

A less severe version of bacterial meningitis, which is less likely to result in death or major disabilities. It occurs more likely in infants and children under 5, or people with weak immune systems.

Causes -

 Enteroviruses which are intestinal, misquitoes or other virus carrying insects, and in certain rare cases viral meningitis is caused by mumps or the herpes virus

   

Transmitted - 

Enteroviruses can be spread through respiration , can be spread from person to person from contact

Symptoms -

Sudden fever, stiff neck or back, headache, vomiting, nausea, photophobia, altered mental status, sensitivity to light

In infants:  Fever, hard to awaken, poor eating, irritability

In adults:  Lack of appetite, stiff neck, vomiting, nausea, sleepiness, trouble waking, severe headache, high fever

Treatment - 

 Fluid through an IV and hospitalization