Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membrane that covers the brain. It is caused by viruses. Among the after-effects, the risk of deafness (unilateral or bilateral) due to the mumps virus.
Definition: what is viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is a inflammation of the meninges, an envelope that surrounds and protects the brain. Most often, this disease is benign. It occurs most frequently in children and young adults but can also affect the adult later. “She is secondary to viral infectionexplains Dr. Catherine Weil-Olivier, Professor of pediatrics. Mumps, measles, rubella, chickenpox, poliomyelitis, infectious mononucleosis, etc. are the main causes of viral meningitis but also enteroviruses, adenoviruses.”
It’s a contagious illness, responsible for epidemics, most often contained. It is transmitted through direct human contact.
What are the symptoms of viral meningitis?
The disease is characterized by:
- Fever
- Severe headaches
- An intolerance to light and noise
- Nausea or vomiting
- A gray complexion
- Significant aches
- Great fatigue
- Sometimes neurological symptoms such as episodes of confusion, convulsions or paralysis
- On clinical examination, neck stiffness is evocative
How long does viral meningitis last?
“She healed within a few days, one week maximum and this spontaneously, not requiring any treatment“, specifies Dr. Weil-Olivier.
Is it serious in children?
Viral meningitis is the leading cause of meningitis in children. “In most cases, it is not a serious illness, although symptoms are very unpleasant for the child and impressive for those around“, reassures the pediatrician.
Is it serious in adults?
No, it’s usually not not a serious illness in adults.
What treatment to treat viral meningitis?
The diagnosis is made using on clinical examination of the patient as well as the realization of a lumbar puncture (collection of cerebrospinal fluid, surrounding the central nervous system). “Its analysis makes it possible to differentiate whether the meningitis is of viral or bacterial origin (in the case of viral meningitis, the fluid is clear and does not contain any bacteria), specifies Dr. Weil-Olivier. If the patient does not have an immune deficiency, the disease heals on its own within a few days. THE treatment with antibiotics is of no use in cases of viral meningitis. Some medications help relieve certain symptoms and are sometimes useful: antipyretics against fever and analgesics mainly against pain. And rest“.
What are the risks of after-effects?
“In the absence of manifestations of associated encephalitis, the evolution is simple. In rare casesafter-effects may occur: this is mainly a deafness, (unilateral or bilateral) due to the mumps virus“, specifies the expert.
Is there a vaccine to prevent the risk of viral meningitis?
No, No vaccine exists against all viral meningitis.
“But “triple” vaccination (measles, mumps, rubella) mandatory for children under 2 years old has made it possible to considerably limit the risk of meningitis due to these viruses. Likewise, the chickenpox vaccination, if recommended, would reduce this risk“, specifies Dr. Weil-Olivier.
Dr. Catherine Weil-Olivier, Professor of pediatrics at the University of Paris VI, and specialist in the issue of meningitis.