Meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Viral meningitis is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis and usually resolves without complications.
However, bacterial meningitis is more serious and requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms of viral meningitis
Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
In young children: irritability, poor feeding, or lethargy.
Diagnosis
Diagnosed through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to test cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
If viral meningitis is suspected, specific viruses can be identified with RT-PCR.
Treatment
Viral meningitis treatment is supportive, focusing on pain relief, hydration, and nutrition.
It usually resolves on its own in 1-2 weeks.
Most people fully recover without long-term effects, while bacterial meningitis can cause severe complications if untreated.
Causes & Spread
Common causes include enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, mumps virus, and cytomegalovirus.
Enteroviruses spread through direct contact, fecal-oral contamination, and respiratory droplets.
Prevention
Practice good hygiene: handwashing, cleaning surfaces, and not sharing personal items.
Vaccination against mumps, chickenpox, and other viruses can help prevent viral meningitis.
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