Five Students from Kerala are being treated after showing symptoms of Viral Meningitis.
Meningesare protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis - Inflammation of Meninges, caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Viral Meningitis -Viral meningitis is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis and commonly resolves without complications.
Causes -Many viruses can cause meningitis. The most common are enteroviruses, responsible for over 85% of cases. Other causes include
Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV, chickenpox virus)
Mumps virus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Examples of viral causes include Japanese encephalitis, Nipah virus infection, and rabies.
Symptoms -Viral meningitis include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, discomfort while looking at light (photophobia)
In young children, symptoms may be less specific and include irritability, poor feeding, or lethargy.
Diagnosis -Early suspicion and testing are crucial for diagnosis.
CSF analysis -A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
It helps distinguish between viral, bacterial, or other causes of meningitis.
If viral meningitis is suspected, specific viruses can be identified using RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), which detects viral genetic material.
Prevention -Hygiene and sanitation plays a key role in reducing its spread.
Treatment -The treatment of viral meningitis is supportive. Close observation, pain relief, fluid management and attention to nutrition are essential.
Most cases of viral meningitis resolve on their own within a week or two.
Nearly all cases of viral meningitis recover fully without long-term effects.
Quick Facts
Bacterial meningitis – It is a medical emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and antibiotic treatment.
If treated early, bacterial meningitis has good outcomes.
However, delays in diagnosis can lead to severe complications such as hearing loss, cognitive impairment, neurological issues, or even death.
Encephalitis – It occurs when the brain tissue itself becomes inflamed due to an infection.
Patients with encephalitis may experience seizures, confusion, disorientation, and even loss of consciousness.
Vaccines - Effective vaccines are available against the 2 most common bacteria that cause meningitis, the pneumococcus and meningococcus.
Vaccination against mumps and chickenpox prevents infection by these two viruses, which are known to occasionally cause meningitis.
