Is Viral Meningitis Contagious? Transmission Facts

Understanding If Viral Meningitis Is Contagious

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It's most often caused by viruses which results in viral meningitis.

Viral meningitis tends to be less severe than bacterial or fungal meningitis. But it can still produce uncomfortable flu-like symptoms and stiffness in the neck that makes you wonder - is viral meningitis contagious?

This article will dive into everything you should know about the transmissibility of viral meningitis and how to reduce your chances of catching it.

What Viruses Cause Viral Meningitis?

There are a number of viruses capable of causing viral meningitis, including:

• Enteroviruses
• Herpes simplex virus
• Mumps virus
• Measles virus
• Influenza viruses
• West Nile virus
• HIV

Enteroviruses are the most common cause, responsible for up to 90% of viral meningitis cases in the United States. Types of enteroviruses that can lead to meningitis include coxsackieviruses, echoviruses and polioviruses among others.

Is Viral Meningitis Contagious From Person to Person?

The short answer is yes - viral meningitis caused by contagious viruses like enteroviruses is transmittable from an infected person to others. The viruses spread through:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Touching contaminated objects
• Fecal contamination
• Mosquito bites (West Nile virus)

Spread through person-to-person contact is most common with non-polio enteroviruses which can infect people of all ages. School-age children and teens tend to be most vulnerable due to habits like shared food, drinks and utensils that facilitate transmission of saliva and fecal particles.

Is Viral Meningitis Contagious Before or After Symptoms Appear?

Those with viral meningitis are often contagious even before they start showing any symptoms since the viruses can be shed from the body very early on.

Infected people usually remain capable of transmitting the virus to others for roughly 7 to 10 days from the onset of symptoms. Proper precautions should be taken during this time to avoid spreading it to more people.

What Are the Symptoms of Viral Meningitis?

Common symptoms of viral meningitis appear 1 to 10 days after becoming infected by a virus and may include:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Lethargy and weakness

Babies under 1 month with viral meningitis may exhibit subtle or vague symptoms like irritability, poor appetite and low energy. Seek medical care promptly if meningitis seems possible in infants.

Who is Most at Risk of Getting Infected?

While anyone can get viral meningitis following exposure to someone contagious, some groups face higher odds including:

• Pregnant women
• Babies under 3 months
• School-aged kids in group settings
• College freshmen in dorms
• Those with weakened immune systems

Beyond person-to-person spread, you may also be more vulnerable to getting viral meningitis from mosquitoes if you live in or travel to regions where viruses like West Nile are common.

When Should You Call the Doctor?

Promptly seek medical care if you notice potential viral meningitis symptoms within 2 weeks following exposure to someone confirmed to have it or suspect other possible sources.

Let the doctor know about any recent upper respiratory illness, rashes, or diarrhea/vomiting episodes youve had as well as any mosquito bites if living or traveling in an area with West Nile virus activity.

Timely evaluation and diagnosis allows appropriate monitoring for complications and may guide use of antiviral medications in severe cases to help you recover sooner.

Reducing Your Risk of Catching Viral Meningitis

If you've been directly exposed to someone with known viral meningitis, your doctor can do a blood test 3 to 6 weeks later to assess if you caught the infection. But not getting infected in the first place is ideal.

Here is how to lower your risk of catching contagious viral meningitis from others:

Wash Hands Frequently

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds after using the toilet, blowing your nose, coughing/sneezing, touching frequently handled objects, changing diapers, and before eating. This prevents the spread of viruses into your mouth, nose and eyes if your hands become contaminated.

Disinfect Surfaces

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces at home and work like phones, remote controls, bathroom fixtures, door handles, keyboards and toys using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved products. This eliminates transmission risk from contaminated surfaces.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Don't share items like drinking cups, water bottles, eating utensils, lip balm, cigarettes or vape devices with anyone else. Also keep your toothbrushes separate with the caps on. Not sharing these types of personal items prevents transfer of saliva that could spread infection.

Cover Your Coughs

If you need to cough or sneeze, make sure to cough into a tissue or your elbow rather than your hands to minimize spreading respiratory droplets containing viruses through the air or onto your hands that touch other items.

Stay Home When Sick

Avoid going to work, school, social gatherings or around high risk people if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with viral meningitis like fever, headache, cough or vomiting to prevent transmitting illness.

Consider Vaccination

Getting vaccinated for prevention of diseases like mumps, measles and polio that may lead to meningitis is recommended by health authorities. The meningococcal vaccine protects against bacterial but not viral meningitis however.

People over 50 should also get the shingles vaccine to lower risks for herpes meningitis since shingles is caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox.

The Bottom Line

Viral meningitis often arises from intestinal viruses that easily spread between people through contaminated surfaces, respiratory secretions or poor hygiene. Following prevention tips cuts transmission risk.

Pay attention for symptoms after potential exposure and see your doctor promptly if viral meningitis seems possible for appropriate care.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.