Who gets viral meningitis?
Anyone can get viral meningitis but it occurs most often in children. Which viruses cause this form of meningitis? Approximately half of the cases in the United States are due to common entero (intestinal) viruses. Occasionally, children will have viral meningitis associated with mumps or herpes virus infection. Mosquito-borne viruses also account for a few cases each year. In many cases, the specific virus cannot be identified. How are the viruses that cause viral meningitis spread? Because a number of different viruses are capable of causing viral meningitis, the manner in which the virus is spread depends upon the type of virus involved. Some are spread by person-to-person contact; others can be spread by insects. What are the symptoms? The symptoms may include fever, headache, stiff neck and fatigue. Rash, sore throat and intestinal symptoms may also occur. How soon do symptoms appear? Symptoms generally appear within one week of exposure. Is a person with viral meningitis contagio
