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About Viral Meningitis

Key points

  • Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
  • A bacterial or viral infection can cause the swelling.
  • Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis.
  • Most people get better on their own without treatment, but it can be very serious.
Mumps virus, one viral cause of meningitis.

What it is

Many viruses can cause meningitis. Leading U.S. causes include:

Herpesviruses include:

Symptoms

People with viral meningitis usually start having typical meningitis symptoms.

When to seek emergency care

Anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a healthcare provider right away. A healthcare provider can determine if you have meningitis, what's causing it, and the best treatment.

Risk factors

Anyone can get viral meningitis; however, the following factors can increase someone's risk.

Age

Children younger than 5 years old are at increased risk for viral meningitis.

Babies younger than 1 month old are most likely to have severe illness if they get viral meningitis.

Medical conditions

People with a weakened immune system are at increased risk for getting viral meningitis and having severe illness. Diseases, some medications (such as chemotherapy), and recent organ or bone marrow transplantations can weaken the immune system.

Close contacts aren't likely to develop meningitis

Close contacts of someone with viral meningitis can become infected with the virus that made that person sick. They aren't likely to develop meningitis though.

How it spreads

The table below summarizes the most common ways these viruses spread. Visit specific CDC websites for more detailed information.

Arboviruses

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

  • Spread through specific animal exposures, including bites, urine, or feces

    • Epstein-Barr virus

    Mumps virus

    Non-polio enteroviruses

  • Spread by sharing respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit) through close contact
  • Spread by items contaminated with those secretions

    • Influenza virus

    Measles virus

    Varicella-zoster virus

  • Spread through coughing, sneezing, or talking

  • Don't require close contact

    • Varicella-zoster viruses

  • Spread through contact with fluid from blisters

    • Non-polio enteroviruses

  • Spread through contact with other body secretions (feces, nasal mucus)
  • Spread by items contaminated with those secretions (diapers

    • Prevention

    Limit virus exposure and spread

    Many daily healthy habits can help prevent viral infections:

    • Wash your hands often, especially after changing diapers or using the toilet
    • Avoid close contact, such as touching and shaking hands, with people who are sick
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
    • Stay home when sick and keep sick children out of school
    Keep Reading: About Handwashing

    Vaccination

    Vaccines can protect against some diseases that can lead to viral meningitis:

    Keep Reading: Vaccine Schedules For You and Your Family

    Other prevention tips

    Avoid bites from mosquitoes and other insects that carry diseases that can infect humans.

    Avoid contact with wild mice. Take precautions when handling pet rodents like mice, hamsters, or guinea pigs.

    Keep Reading: Controlling Wild Rodent Infestations

    Testing and diagnosis

    There are laboratory tests for meningitis.

    Treatment and recovery

    In most cases, there's no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people with mild viral meningitis usually get better on their own within 7 to 10 days.

    People who develop severe illness, or are at risk for developing severe illness, may need hospital care.

    Antiviral medicines

    Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.

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    Content Source:
    National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)