When is viral meningitis contagious

However, only a very small fraction of persons infected with these enteroviruses will go on to develop viral meningitis. Therefore, while you may be infected with the virus that caused viral meningitis in another person, you are unlikely to contract meningitis yourself. The symptoms of all types of meningitis are the same and include: fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, confusion, and light hurting the eyes.

In infants, it may be difficult to identify some of these symptoms, and therefore the child may appear fever, difficulty in awakening, refusal to eat, and irritability.

Because the death rate from bacterial meningitis decreases noticeably with the early use of appropriate antibiotics, it is important to go to the Emergency Room if you notice yourself, your child, or a loved one with these symptoms. Bacterial meningitis is a rapidly progressing disease, and must be treated immediately. Viral meningitis does result in up to 50, hospitalizations per year, but has a significantly lower mortality rate and usually resolves on its own.

Most people are exposed to these viruses at some time in their lives, but few actually develop meningitis. Strict isolation is not necessary. Since most cases are due to enteroviruses that may be passed in the stool, people diagnosed with viral meningitis should be instructed to thoroughly wash their hands after using the toilet.

Navigation menu. Who gets viral meningitis? Anyone can get viral meningitis but it occurs most often in children. Which viruses cause this form of meningitis? How are the viruses that cause viral meningitis spread? What are the symptoms? How soon do symptoms appear? It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.

People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week. Viral meningitis tends to get better on its own within 7 to 10 days and can often be treated at home.

Getting plenty of rest and taking painkillers and anti-sickness medication can help relieve the symptoms in the meantime. Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems. Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, although some are left with serious long-term problems.