Viral meningitis (when meningitis is caused by a virus) is the most common type of meningitis. Most people get better on their own without treatment. However, anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor right away because any type of meningitis can be serious. Only a doctor can determine if someone has meningitis, what is causing it, and the best treatment. Babies younger than 1 month old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness from viral meningitis.
Non-polio enteroviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis in the United States. Only a small number of people infected with enteroviruses will develop meningitis.
Other viruses that can cause meningitis are
People of any age can get viral meningitis. However, some people have a higher risk of getting the disease, including:
Babies younger than 1 month old and people with weakened immune systems are also more likely to have severe illness.
Close contacts of someone with viral meningitis can become infected with the virus that made that person sick. However, these close contacts are not likely to develop meningitis. Only a small number of people who get infected with the viruses that cause meningitis will develop viral meningitis.
Viruses that can cause meningitis spread in different ways. Learn more about how the following viruses spread by visiting CDC’s websites:
Common symptoms in babies:
Common symptoms in children and adults
Most people with mild viral meningitis usually get better on their own within 7 to 10 days.
Initial symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those for bacterial meningitis. However, bacterial meningitis is usually severe and can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities. The pathogens (germs) that cause bacterial meningitis can also be associated with another serious illness, sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
See a doctor right away if you think you or your child might have meningitis. A doctor can determine if you have the disease, what is causing it, and the best treatment.
Doctors diagnose meningitis by ordering specific lab tests on specimens from a person suspected of having meningitis. If a doctor suspects meningitis, he or she may collect samples for testing by:
In most cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people who
get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment.
Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus
and influenza.
Antibiotics do not help viral infections, so they are not useful in the treatment
of viral meningitis. However, antibiotics do fight bacteria, so they are very important
when treating bacterial meningitis.
People who develop severe illness, or are at risk for developing severe illness, may need care in a hospital.
There are no vaccines available in the United States to protect against non-polio enteroviruses, which are the most common cause of viral meningitis. The best way to help protect yourself and others from non-polio enterovirus infections is to
Vaccines can protect against some diseases, such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, and influenza, which can lead to viral meningitis. Make sure you and your child are vaccinated on schedule.
Avoid bites from mosquitoes and other insects that carry diseases that can infect humans.
Control mice and rats. If you have a rodent in or around your home, follow appropriate cleaning and control precautions.
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For Emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For Non-emergent health issues, please contact your local health provider or hospital.
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