Viral Meningitis in Children

Viral meningitis refers to the inflammation of what is known as meninges. These are membranes which stay as a protective covering for the central nervous system of the body. They surround the brain and the spinal cord. This inflammation is caused due to the spread of an infection, most of which is known to be caused by a virus, and is common during summer and early fall. Some cases may also be the result of a bacterial or a fungal infection. Usually, viral meningitis in children or in adults, is known to clear up in a couple of weeks, without any treatment. However, in case of a bacterial form, meningitis is far too serious.

Causal Agents of Viral Meningitis

In most cases, the type of virus that causes this condition remains unidentified. However, studies show that in the United States of America, about 30% of the cases have a class of virus known as enteroviruses to blame. These pathogens tend to spread more in late summer and early fall. Apart from these viruses, herpes simplex virus, and West Nile virus have also been found to be some of the causes.

Important Symptoms

Note that the symptoms that viral meningitis causes to occur in children, are no different from what it causes in adults. However, there are some which may be specific to small children. Common meningitis symptoms in children and adults include high fever, excessive headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures attack and hurting eyes due to bright light. Affected patients may be sleepy more than usual and they may be difficult to be woken up. They might also have the feeling of stiffness in their neck. Drinking and eating may become the least of an interest and affected people may also face difficulty in concentrating.

Affected children may not be able to maintain eye contact. All these symptoms may also occur in case of a meningitis that is caused by bacteria. However, symptom such as sore throat, diarrhea, joint pain and headache are known to indicate a case of meningitis that is caused by the enteroviruses. In case of newborns, there might not occur such symptoms. Those which do occur may include high fever, constant crying, sluggishness, poor feeding, increased irritability and seizures. The presence of a bulge in the baby's head or stiffness in her neck or body, may also indicate the onset of viral meningitis. It can be a sign of bacterial meningitis too, though.

Treatment Options

As mentioned earlier, in most of such cases, the virus has to run its course, before the condition resolves on its own. Most people do not require any kind of treatment, except rest, plenty of fluids including water and pain medications for managing body aches and pain, which can be availed over the counter. However, in some cases patients may be prescribed with antiviral medication. In cases, the cause of the meningitis has not been diagnosed, the doctor may recommend antibiotic or antiviral treatment, while carrying out the diagnosis.

As aforementioned, viral meningitis does not raise so much of concern in children or adults. And preventing such illnesses is not difficult when some simple measures are followed. These measures include educating the children about the importance of keeping their hands clean, especially during meal time, and the benefits of eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also covering the mouth while sneezing would be a good idea as it would reduce the risk of spreading of the virus to others.