Viral Meningitis

Why in News?

Five Students from Kerala are being treated after showing symptoms of Viral Meningitis.

Meninges are protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

• Meningitis - Inflammation of Meninges, caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
• Viral Meningitis - Viral meningitis is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis and commonly resolves without complications.
• Causes - Many viruses can cause meningitis. The most common are enteroviruses, responsible for over 85% of cases. Other causes include
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
  • Varicella-zoster virus (VZV, chickenpox virus)
  • Mumps virus
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Examples of viral causes include Japanese encephalitis, Nipah virus infection, and rabies.
• Symptoms - Viral meningitis include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, discomfort while looking at light (photophobia)
• In young children, symptoms may be less specific and include irritability, poor feeding, or lethargy.
• Diagnosis - Early suspicion and testing are crucial for diagnosis.
• CSF analysis - A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
• It helps distinguish between viral, bacterial, or other causes of meningitis.
• If viral meningitis is suspected, specific viruses can be identified using RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), which detects viral genetic material.
• Prevention - Hygiene and sanitation plays a key role in reducing its spread.
• Treatment - The treatment of viral meningitis is supportive. Close observation, pain relief, fluid management and attention to nutrition are essential.
• Most cases of viral meningitis resolve on their own within a week or two.
• Nearly all cases of viral meningitis recover fully without long-term effects.

References

1. The Hindu | Viral Meningitis  
2. WHO | Viral Meningistis