About Viral Meningitis

Key points

• Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis.
• Most people get better on their own without treatment, but it can be very serious.
• Learn when to seek medical care for meningitis.

What it is

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by a viral infection. Many viruses can cause meningitis.

Leading U.S. causes include:

• Arboviruses, such as West Nile virus
• HerpesvirusesEpstein-Barr virus
• Herpes simplex viruses
• Varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles)
• Influenza virus
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
• Measles virus
• Mumps virus
• Non-polio enteroviruses (most common)

Symptoms

People with viral meningitis usually start having typical meningitis symptoms.

When to seek emergency care

Anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a healthcare provider right away. A healthcare provider can determine if you have meningitis, what's causing it, and the best treatment.

Risk factors

Anyone can get viral meningitis. However, the following factors can increase someone's risk.

Age

Children younger than 5 years old are at increased risk for viral meningitis.

Babies younger than 1 month old are most likely to have severe illness if they get viral meningitis.

Medical conditions

People with a weakened immune system are at increased risk for getting viral meningitis and having severe illness. Diseases, some medications (such as chemotherapy), and recent organ or bone marrow transplantations can weaken the immune system.

Close contacts aren't likely to develop meningitis

Close contacts of someone with viral meningitis can become infected with the virus that made that person sick. They aren't likely to develop meningitis though.

How it spreads

Learn how viruses that cause meningitis spread:

• Arboviruses, such as West Nile virus
• HerpesvirusesEpstein-Barr virus
• Herpes simplex viruses
• Varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles)
• Influenza virus
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
• Measles virus
• Mumps virus
• Non-polio enteroviruses (most common)

Limit virus exposure and spread

Many daily healthy habits can help prevent viral infections:

• Wash your hands often, especially after changing diapers or using the toilet.
• Avoid close contact, such as touching and shaking hands, with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Stay home when sick and keep sick children out of school.

Keep ReadingAbout Handwashing

Vaccination

Vaccines can protect against some diseases that can lead to viral meningitis:

• Chickenpox vaccines
• Influenza vaccines
• Measles and mumps vaccines
• Shingles vaccines

Keep ReadingVaccine Schedules For You and Your Family

Other prevention tips

Avoid bites from mosquitoes and other insects that carry diseases that can infect humans.

Avoid contact with wild mice. Take precautions when handling pet rodents like mice, hamsters, or guinea pigs.

Keep ReadingControlling Wild Rodent Infestations

Testing and diagnosis

There are laboratory tests for meningitis.

Treatment and recovery

In most cases, there's no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people with mild viral meningitis usually get better on their own within 7 to 10 days.

People who develop severe illness, or are at risk for developing severe illness, may need hospital care.

Antiviral medicines

Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.

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