Meningitis, Viral

• Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
• Meningitis can be caused by bacteria , virus or fungi.
• Viral meningitis is the most common.

• Fever
• Severe headaches
• Stiff neck
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Photophobia (bright lights hurt eyes)

• In infants, symptoms may include fever, irritability, refusal to eat and it may be hard to wake the baby.
• Symptoms occur within 2-10 days after exposure and usually last for 7 to 10 days.

• Direct contact with saliva, sputum, or nasal discharge of an infected person.
• Shaking hands with an infected person or touching something that they have touched, and then rubbing your own nose, mouth, or eyes.
• Contact with the stool (feces) of an infected person, especially among small children who are not yet toilet trained.

• Watch for signs and symptoms of meningitis.
• If you think your child has meningitis, see a doctor immediately.
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water especially after coughing, sneezing, wiping nose, changing a diaper or eating and preparing food.
• Teach your child to cover his/her mouth when coughing or sneezing and not to share food, drink or eating utensils with others.
• There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis.