What is Viral Meningitis Causes: Five students from a private school in Kalamassery, Ernakulam have been hospitalised after exhibiting symptoms of viral meningitis. According to a report by Onmanorama, cerebral meningitis was confirmed in two children, aged seven and eight.
The health official have said that the children’s condition is stable as of now. As a precaution, the school is temporarily closed and the classes are halted. According to the Onmanorama report, those who had close contact with the affected students have been asked to wear masks.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, a meningitis outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 26 people. Reportedly, 200 suspected cases have been recorded since the start of the outbreak in January in the Nigerian state of Kebbi.
What is the cause of viral meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection and swelling, called inflammation, of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges, Mayo Clinic says. Viral infections are one of the most common cause of meningitis.
What is the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis can cause death within days without fast antibiotic treatment. Delayed treatment also increases the risk of long-term brain damage, Mayo Clinic says.
Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections. Because bacterial infections can lead to death, finding the cause is vital, Mayo Clinic says.
How long does a viral meningitis last?
According to Mayo Clinic, viral meningitis is most often mild and clears on its own. A group of viruses known as enteroviruses is most often the cause. Enteroviruses are most common in late summer and early fall. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps virus, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis, Mayo Clinic says.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
The following may be symptoms of meningitis in people older than 2 years:
- Sudden high fever.
- Stiff neck.
- Bad headache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Confusion or trouble concentrating.
- Seizures.
- Sleepiness or trouble waking.
- Sensitivity to light.
- No desire to eat or drink.
- Skin rash sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis.
- Symptoms in newborns and infants
The following may be symptoms of meningitis in newborns and infants:
- High fever.
- Constant crying.
- Being very sleepy or irritable.
- Trouble waking from sleep.
- Being not active or sluggish.
- Not waking to eat.
- Poor feeding.
- Vomiting.
- A bulge in the soft spot on top of the baby’s head.
- Stiffness in the body and neck.
Is viral meningitis life-threatening?
While viral meningitis can cause a serious illness, it is rarely life-threatening and often resolves on its own within a week or two.