Key points
- Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
- A bacterial or viral infection can cause the swelling.
- Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis.
- Most people get better on their own without treatment, but it can be very serious.
What it is
Many viruses can cause meningitis. Leading U.S. causes include:
- Arboviruses, such as West Nile virus
- Herpesviruses
- Influenza virus
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
- Measles virus
- Mumps virus
- Non-polio enteroviruses (most common)
Herpesviruses include:
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Herpes simplex viruses
- Varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles)
Symptoms
People with viral meningitis usually start having typical meningitis symptoms.
When to seek emergency care
Risk factors
Anyone can get viral meningitis; however, the following factors can increase someone's risk.
Age
Children younger than 5 years old are at increased risk for viral meningitis.
Babies younger than 1 month old are most likely to have severe illness if they get viral meningitis.
Medical conditions
People with a weakened immune system are at increased risk for getting viral meningitis and having severe illness. Diseases, some medications (such as chemotherapy), and recent organ or bone marrow transplantations can weaken the immune system.
Close contacts aren't likely to develop meningitis
How it spreads
The table below summarizes the most common ways these viruses spread. Visit specific CDC websites for more detailed information.
- Spread through specific animal exposures, including bites, urine, or feces
Non-polio enteroviruses
- Spread by sharing respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit) through close contact
- Spread by items contaminated with those secretions
Measles virus
Varicella-zoster virus
- Spread through coughing, sneezing, or talking
- Don't require close contact
- Spread through contact with fluid from blisters
- Spread through contact with other body secretions (feces, nasal mucus)
- Spread by items contaminated with those secretions (diapers
Prevention
Limit virus exposure and spread
Many daily healthy habits can help prevent viral infections:
- Wash your hands often, especially after changing diapers or using the toilet
- Avoid close contact, such as touching and shaking hands, with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Stay home when sick and keep sick children out of school
Vaccination
Vaccines can protect against some diseases that can lead to viral meningitis:
Other prevention tips
Avoid bites from mosquitoes and other insects that carry diseases that can infect humans.
Avoid contact with wild mice. Take precautions when handling pet rodents like mice, hamsters, or guinea pigs.
Treatment and recovery
In most cases, there's no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people with mild viral meningitis usually get better on their own within 7 to 10 days.
People who develop severe illness, or are at risk for developing severe illness, may need hospital care.
Antiviral medicines
Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.