Viral meningitis is caused by enteroviruses, herpesviruses, arboviruses, mumps, and LCMV. Enteroviruses are the most common cause. Symptoms include inflammation of the meninges, fever, headache, and a stiff neck. Treatment involves bed rest, fluid intake, and medication. The disease is contagious and can be prevented by washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes.
Causes of viral meningitis include enteroviruses, herpesviruses, and arboviruses. Additionally, mumps is also associated with viral meningitis, and in rare cases, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can also cause the disease. Viral meningitis itself is a common, often harmless medical condition in which an infection causes the meninges to become inflamed. The condition is also known as aseptic meningitis.
Of the various causes of viral meningitis, enteroviruses are the most common. These intestinal viruses can easily be passed from person to person, although most people who get these viruses do not develop viral meningitis. Examples of enteroviruses include coxsackieviruses and echoviruses.
Herpesvirus can also cause viral meningitis. Medical conditions linked to herpesviruses include chickenpox, measles, and the flu. Those with illnesses caused by herpesviruses may be at risk of developing viral meningitis. Examples of herpesviruses include Epstein-Barr virus and varicella-zoster virus.
Arboviruses are viruses transmitted by insects, such as mosquitoes. Although humans can acquire viral meningitis from insects, it’s generally an uncommon method by which to get the disease. Examples of arboviruses include alphaviruses and bunyaviruses.
Other causes of viral meningitis include mumps and LCMV. Just as is the case with the herpesvirus and its related diseases, an infection that causes mumps can sometimes cause viral meningitis. Similar to how insects transmit arboviruses, LCMV, which rodents spread, is a rare way to acquire the condition.
Although the causes of viral meningitis, as well as the methods of transmission, vary, the condition often requires no specific treatment other than bed rest, fluid intake, and sometimes medication to relieve fever or heachache. Often the illness will last seven to ten days. Other symptoms an infected person might experience during this time include fatigue, nausea, and a stiff neck.
Since most cases of viral meningitis occur due to enteroviruses, of which many infected people do not develop viral meningitis, it is understandable that there are those who do not show any symptoms of the medical condition. Because viral meningitis is contagious, however, it’s a good idea for people to take preventative steps to avoid getting the disease or spreading it to others. Humans spread viral meningitis to other humans through coughing, sneezing, or contact with feces. To prevent or contain viral meningitis, therefore, people should wash their hands thoroughly often. They should also cover any coughs or sneezes.
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