What is the cause of viral meningitis? where do we get this?
Apr 27, 2013
Viral meningitis is caused when a virus infects the lining of the brain and spinal cord. This infection results in inflammation and swelling. Viral meningitis can be caused by various number viruses including a group of viruses called enterovirus or by herpes virus.
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Viral meningitis can affect anyone. But infants younger than 1 month old and people whose immune systems are weak are at higher risk for severe infection. If you are around someone with viral meningitis, you have a chance of becoming infected with the virus that made that person sick, but you are not likely to develop meningitis as a complication of the illness.
Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are most often spread from person to person through fecal contamination (which can occur when changing a diaper or using the toilet and not properly washing hands afterwards). Enteroviruses can also be spread through respiratory secretions (saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus) of an infected person. Other viruses, such as mumps and varicella-zoster virus, may also be spread through direct or indirect contact with saliva, sputum, or mucus of an infected person. Contact with an infected person may increase your chance of becoming infected with the virus that made them sick; however, you are not likely to develop meningitis as a complication of the illness except if weak immune system or less than 1 month precautions must be taken
Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are most often spread from person to person through fecal contamination (which can occur when changing a diaper or using the toilet and not properly washing hands afterwards). Enteroviruses can also be spread through respiratory secretions (saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus) of an infected person. Other viruses, such as mumps and varicella-zoster virus, may also be spread through direct or indirect contact with saliva, sputum, or mucus of an infected person. Contact with an infected person may increase your chance of becoming infected with the virus that made them sick; however, you are not likely to develop meningitis as a complication of the illness except if weak immune system or less than 1 month precautions must be taken
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