Viral Meningitis
Find out more about different causes of meningitis

Viral meningitis, which often remains undiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to those of the common flu, is more common and far less serious than bacterial meningitis. Most cases of viral meningitis are associated with enteroviruses - viruses that typically cause stomach "flu." Because people are more often exposed to common viral agents during those seasons, the frequency of viral meningitis increases slightly in the summer and fall months. Other types of viruses, such as the herpes virus, can also cause meningitis. The mumps virus, which was once a common cause of viral meningitis, is now rare due to the routine use of the mumps, measles, and rubella vaccine.
What is viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is defined as an infection of the meninges (a thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord) due to several different viruses. Meningitis is a fairly common disease and 500-700 cases of viral meningitis are reported each year in New York State alone. Almost all of the cases occur as single, isolated events.
Who gets viral meningitis?
Although anyone can get viral meningitis, the disease tends to occur most frequently in children and young teens.
What viruses can cause viral meningitis?
Common intestinal viruses cause over half of all viral meningitis cases in the US. Sometimes, children might have viral meningitis due to a mumps or herpes virus infection. Mosquito-borne viruses also contribute to meningitis cases each year.
How is viral meningitis transmitted from person to person?
Since many different viruses are capable of causing viral meningitis, the manner in which the virus is spread depends upon the type of virus involved. Some are spread through insects while others are spread through person-to-person contact.
What are the symptoms of viral meningitis?
Fever, headache, stiff neck, fatigue, rash, sore throat and intestinal symptoms are all common symptoms of viral meningitis and symptoms typically occur within one week of exposure.
Is a person with viral meningitis contagious?
Some of the intestinal viruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious while others, such as mosquito-borne viruses, are not able to be spread from person to person. Luckily, most people exposed to these viruses experience mild or no symptoms. In fact, many people are exposed to these viruses at some time in their lives, but few actually develop meningitis.
Should a person with viral meningitis be isolated?
Although strict isolation is not necessary, many cases of meningitis are caused by intestinal viruses that may be passed in the stool, so people diagnosed with viral meningitis should be instructed to thoroughly wash their hands after using the toilet.
How is viral meningitis treated?
Since the virus cannot be treated with an antibiotic, there is no specific cure or treatment for viral meningitis beyond drinking fluids and getting rest.