Viral Meningitis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is viral meningitis? Viral meningitis (men-in-JEYE-tis) is also called aseptic meningitis. Viral meningitis is caused by a virus (germ). The virus causes inflammation (swelling) and irritation of the meninges. The meninges are the linings covering the brain and spinal cord. The swelling causes decreased blood flow to the brain and increased pressure in the head. Viral meningitis is more common during summer and early fall. Most people completely recover from viral meningitis within 5 to 14 days.

What causes viral meningitis? Viral meningitis is caused by viruses, including some that may also cause herpes and mumps. The viruses are found in saliva, sputum (spit), blood, the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, nose drainage, and stool of people who are infected. Viral meningitis can spread from one infected person to another by coughing, kissing, or shaking hands. You can get sick if you have contact with a person infected with viral meningitis. If you are bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus, you may also get a type of viral meningitis. Ask caregivers for more information about preventing West Nile Virus.

What are the signs and symptoms of viral meningitis? Signs and symptoms usually last less than 10 days. You may have one or more of the following:

• A headache, stiff neck, or neck pain.
  
  
• A red or purple skin rash.
  
  
• Feel sick to your stomach or throw up.
  
  
• Feel tired or lose your appetite.
  
  
• Fever with chills.
  
  
• Pain in your eyes when looking at bright lights.
  
  
• Problems thinking clearly, confusion, or you may feel very sleepy.

How is viral meningitis diagnosed? You may have one or more of the following tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
  
• CT scan:
  
  
  • This is also called a CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your brain. It may be used to look at bones, muscles, brain tissue, and blood vessels.
    
    
  • You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in your IV. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Lumbar puncture: This procedure may also be called a spinal tap. During a lumbar puncture, you will need to lie very still. Caregivers may give you medicine to make you lose feeling in a small area of your back. Caregivers will clean this area of your back. A needle will be put in, and fluid removed from around your spinal cord. The fluid will be sent to a lab for tests. The tests check for infection, bleeding around your brain and spinal cord, or other problems. Sometimes medicine may be put into your back to treat your illness.
  
  
• MRI: This test is called magnetic resonance imaging. During the MRI, pictures are taken of your head. An MRI may be used to look at the brain, muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. You will need to lay still during a MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch, or any other metal objects. This can cause serious injury. Tell your caregiver if you have any metal implants in your body.
  
  
• Throat and stool cultures: A throat or stool sample may be collected to check for viruses. From the culture, caregivers will learn what virus is causing your disease.

How is viral meningitis treated? There is no available medicine to treat viral meningitis at this time. Antibiotic medicine does not work to treat viral meningitis. Caregivers usually suggest resting in bed in a dark room and drinking a lot of fluids. Medicines to relieve your fever, headache, or to prevent seizures may be needed.

How can viral meningitis be prevented?

• Certain illnesses caused by a virus, such as the mumps, can lead to viral meningitis. By taking steps to help prevent these illnesses, you can also help prevent viral meningitis. Be vaccinated (get shots) against infections caused by viruses, such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, and polio.
  
  
• Clean surfaces and soiled (dirty) articles with soap and water. Disinfect them with a solution that has water and chlorine-containing bleach.
  
  
• Do not share eating or drinking utensils.
  
  
• Keep yourself away from people with viral meningitis, flu, or colds.
  
  
• Prepare food by completely reheating chilled foods before eating them.
  
  
• Throw tissues away after using them to wipe or blow your nose.
  
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water to prevent spreading or getting infections.

Where can I get support and more information? Accepting that you have viral meningitis may be hard. You and those close to you may feel scared, sad, or angry. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to contact the following for more information about viral meningitis:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  National Center for Infectious Diseases
  Phone: 1-888-4437232
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
  

• National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases
  NIAID Office of Communications & Public Liaison
  6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
  Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6612
  Phone: 1-301-496-5717
  Web Address: www3.niaid.nih.gov
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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