Download Viral meningitis

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PREVENTION UNIT
Viral meningitis
May 2012
Viral meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a
variety of different viruses. It is a complication of having another viral illness – most commonly, the
result of a viral gastrointestinal infection.
Viral meningitis is fairly common, and is different to bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is
uncommon but is very serious and requires prompt medical attention.
What are the symptoms of viral
meningitis?
Symptoms include:
•
fever
•
severe headache
•
drowsiness or confusion
•
nausea and vomiting
•
neck stiffness
•
sensitivity to light.
When is viral meningitis infectious?
The typical viruses that cause viral meningitis can
spread to close contacts, such as household
members, friends and colleagues.
The virus can be spread from just before an
infected person gets sick; the person will then be
infectious for about another week.
Only some people who get infected will develop
symptoms.
In babies, symptoms are more difficult to
recognise. Symptoms may also include fretfulness
or irritability and a reluctance to feed.
What do I do if I have symptoms?
How soon do symptoms occur?
How is viral meningitis diagnosed?
Symptoms of viral meningitis generally appear
between three and seven days after exposure to
someone who was excreting the virus.
Symptoms usually last seven to 10 days and the
person completely recovers.
How are the viruses that cause viral
meningitis spread?
A number of different viruses can cause viral
meningitis. Some are spread by direct or indirect
contact with faecal material, others by
respiratory secretions (saliva, sputum or nasal
mucus) from an infected person.
See your local doctor or emergency department
if you have symptoms.
Viral meningitis is diagnosed by symptoms.
It is confirmed by blood tests, a stool specimen
or throat swabs. Sometimes a lumbar puncture
(spinal tap) is needed.
Do I need to stay away from school or
work if I have viral meningitis?
If you have been diagnosed with viral meningitis,
you need to stay away for school or work until
you have recovered. This means you no longer
have any symptoms of meningitis, or any other
associated symptoms, such as diarrhoea.
How is viral meningitis treated?
There is no specific medication for viral
meningitis.
Treatment consists of rest, pain medication as
necessary and sometimes admission to hospital
for investigation and monitoring.
During recovery, some cases may feel tired and
need to take additional short rests during the
day. However, these symptoms improve over
time and people can expect to make a full
recovery from viral meningitis.
Is there a vaccination against viral
meningitis?
There is no vaccine for viral meningitis. There are
vaccines available for some of the more severe
types of bacterial meningitis.
What can I do to avoid getting viral
meningitis?
Viruses that cause gastroenteritis and other
infections are easily spread from contaminated
hands to your mouth.
•
Wash your hands thoroughly for at least
15 seconds with warm soapy water.
•
Wash your hands before eating, and after
the toilet, nappy changing, blowing your
nose and after cleaning up body fluid spills.
•
Avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils –
some viruses may be passed on in saliva.
Want more information?
Go to www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/peh or call the Public
Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.