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Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis. Most viral infections involve a mild illness, including fever, chills, muscle aches, and maybe even diarrhea. Most viral infections do not progress into viral meningitis. However, for reasons we don’t completely understand, the virus can gain access into the central nervous system and cause inflammation, which then results in the symptoms of meningitis. In that case, it becomes a medical emergency because of the severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Most cases of viral meningitis are self-limited and the vast majority of people with viral meningitis recover completely. In some rare cases of viral meningitis, such as those caused by varicella, the chicken pox virus or herpes, specific antiviral treatment is available. Fortunately, most people make a full recovery from viral meningitis. In addition, most people with viral meningitis are not directly infectious, though it is recommended that people avoid contact if you have meningitis for approximately 24 hours after treatment begins. Most cases of viral meningitis will not be passed on to others.
