What is viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is an infection of the meninges, which are protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, that is caused by a virus.
What causes viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is caused by a virus spreading to and infecting the meninges. Several different viruses can cause meningitis including:
- Enteroviruses – These are the most common cause of viral meningitis and mainly affect children.
- Herpes viruses – These are a common cause of viral meningitis in adolescents and adults.
- Mumps – This is most common in teenagers and young adults who aren’t fully vaccinated against the virus and in some cases it can lead to viral meningitis.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – This can cause viral meningitis in the early stages of infection although this is rare.
What are the symptoms of viral meningitis?
The symptoms of viral meningitis can differ depending on the age of the person affected. Common signs and symptoms for all children and adults include:
- A fever with cold hands and feet
- Being sick
- Drowsy and difficult to wake
- Confusion and irritability
- Severe muscle pain
- A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it
- A severe headache
- A stiff neck
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Seizures.
Babies and toddlers may also experience the above signs and symptom in addition to:
- Refusing food
- A dislike of being handled
- Rapid breathing
- An unusual cry
- The soft spot on their head (the fontanelle) being tense or bulging.
