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Viral meningitis is an infection of a thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord—the meninges. It is the most common type of meningitis caused by any one of a number of different viruses. Most cases occur as a single isolated event. Viral encephalitis is also an infection of the brain.
Symptoms
Symptoms in babies may include fever, fussiness, irritability, difficulty waking, lethargy, or refusal to eat. Common symptoms, in children and adults, are fever, headache, stiff neck, photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to bright light), sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep, nausea, irritability, vomiting, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Most individuals with viral meningitis usually get better within 7 to 10 days.
Symptoms
Symptoms in babies may include fever, fussiness, irritability, difficulty waking, lethargy, or refusal to eat. Common symptoms, in children and adults, are fever, headache, stiff neck, photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to bright light), sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep, nausea, irritability, vomiting, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Most individuals with viral meningitis usually get better within 7 to 10 days.
Spread
Enteroviruses are spread by indirect or direct contact with stool or possibly from an infected person’s respiratory secretions. Arboviruses cannot be spread from person-to-person. They are spread by mosquitoes. The mumps virus is spread through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets of an infected individual. Herpesviruses are spread through saliva and close contact with infected individuals. Influenza viruses are spread through respiratory secretions and droplets when individuals cough, sneeze, or talk.
Spread
Enteroviruses are spread by indirect or direct contact with stool or possibly from an infected person’s respiratory secretions. Arboviruses cannot be spread from person-to-person. They are spread by mosquitoes. The mumps virus is spread through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets of an infected individual. Herpesviruses are spread through saliva and close contact with infected individuals. Influenza viruses are spread through respiratory secretions and droplets when individuals cough, sneeze, or talk.
Contagious Period
For enteroviruses: (through contact with stool) three days after being infected until 10 days after symptoms have resolved. One may be contagious for several weeks once the virus is in their system, even if they are asymptomatic.
Contagious Period
For enteroviruses: (through contact with stool) three days after being infected until 10 days after symptoms have resolved. One may be contagious for several weeks once the virus is in their system, even if they are asymptomatic.
Exclusion
Child Care: Until the fever is gone for 24 hours, without the aid of fever-reducing medication, or diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours and the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
Exclusion
Child Care: Until the fever is gone for 24 hours, without the aid of fever-reducing medication, or diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours and the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
School: None, if the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
School: None, if the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
Causes
In the United States, most cases are caused by non-polio enteroviruses. Other viruses that may cause viral meningitis are the mumps virus, herpesvirus including the Epstein-Barr virus, measles virus, influenza virus, arboviruses such as West Nile Virus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
Causes
In the United States, most cases are caused by non-polio enteroviruses. Other viruses that may cause viral meningitis are the mumps virus, herpesvirus including the Epstein-Barr virus, measles virus, influenza virus, arboviruses such as West Nile Virus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
Incubation
Usually within one week from the time of exposure until symptoms begin, but could be two to 21 days depending on the virus.
Incubation
Usually within one week from the time of exposure until symptoms begin, but could be two to 21 days depending on the virus.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Frequent, careful hand washing by child care staff, children, and household members.
Dispose of tissues and diapers properly.
Clean, rinse with clean water, then disinfect contaminated areas (diapering area, toilets, potty chairs) and sanitize toys at least daily and when soiled.
Avoid sharing eating utensils and drinking containers.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Viral Meningitis.pdf
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