We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Causes of Viral Meningitis?

By H. Lo
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,850
Share

Causes of viral meningitis include enteroviruses, herpesvirus and arboviruses. In addition, the mumps are also associated with viral meningitis and, in rare instances, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can also cause the illness to occur. Viral meningitis itself is a common, often harmless medical condition in which an infection causes inflammation to occur in the meninges. The condition is also known as aseptic meningitis.

Of the various causes of viral meningitis, enteroviruses are the most common. These intestinal viruses can be easily spread from person to person, although most people who contract these viruses do not develop viral meningitis. Examples of enteroviruses include coxsackieviruses and echoviruses.

Herpesvirus can also cause viral meningitis. Medical conditions related to herpesvirus include chicken pox, measles and influenza. Those with illnesses caused by herpesvirus might be at risk for developing viral meningitis. Examples of herpesvirus include the 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 is generally a rare method in which to contract the illness. Examples of arboviruses include alphaviruses and bunyaviruses.

Other causes of viral meningitis include the mumps and LCMV. Just as with the case of herpesvirus and its related illnesses, an infection causing mumps can, on occasion, cause viral meningitis. Similar to how insects transmit arboviruses, LCMV, which rodents spread, is a rare way to acquire the condition.

Though the causes of viral meningitis, as well as the transmission methods, might vary, the condition often requires no specific treatment other than getting bed rest, drinking fluids, and sometimes taking medication to relieve fever or headache. Often, the illness will last between seven to ten days. Other symptoms an infected person might experience during this time include fatigue, nausea and stiff neck.

Since most cases of viral meningitis occur as a result of enteroviruses, of which many infected people do not develop viral meningitis, it is understandable that there are those who do not exhibit any symptoms of the medical condition. Given that viral meningitis is contagious, though, it is a good idea for people to take prevention measures to keep themselves from contracting the illness or spreading it to others. Humans spread viral meningitis to other humans through coughing, sneezing, or touching stool. To prevent or contain viral meningitis, then, people should thoroughly wash their hands often. In addition, they should cover any coughs or sneezes.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-causes-of-viral-meningitis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.