Is Viral Meningitis Contagious? How It Spreads and Prevention Tips

Is Viral Meningitis Contagious?

Meningitis refers to inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. This dangerous condition can develop from viruses, bacteria, fungi, injuries, cancer, and certain drugs or diseases.

Viral meningitis is the most common form, accounting for over 50% of cases. It's usually less severe than bacterial meningitis. But many people wonder, is viral meningitis contagious?

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of viral meningitis and explain if, when, and how long those infected can spread it to others.

Understanding Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis occurs when viruses infect the membrane tissues around the brain and spinal cord. While bacteria account for some cases, 9 out of 10 meningitis infections in the U.S. are actually viral.

Viral meningitis is generally less dangerous than bacterial meningitis, which can rapidly become life-threatening without prompt antibiotic treatment. Bacterial infections of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spine also pose a higher risk of serious complications like stroke, deafness, and brain damage.

However, viral meningitis still requires medical attention. The condition causes inflammation that puts pressure on the brain, which can lead to serious symptoms if not properly treated.

Causes

A number of different viruses can cause viral meningitis, including:

• Non-polio enteroviruses (common cause in the U.S.)
• Herpes simplex virus
• Mumps virus
• Measles virus
• HIV
• West Nile virus
• Mosquito-borne viruses like dengue and chikungunya

Viruses spread through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or stool, coughing, sneezing, or poor hygiene and sanitation. They can also transmit via infected mosquito bites.

Symptoms

It takes 2-10 days to develop symptoms after viral meningitis infection. Early signs usually include:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Sensitivity to light
• Sleepiness
• Nausea and vomiting

In babies, symptoms can include fever, constant crying, appetite loss, vomiting, and bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head). Meningitis often comes on suddenly in infants.

Some people have mild viral meningitis symptoms that mimic the flu. But severe headache and neck stiffness that appear quickly point to possible meningitis.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose viral meningitis through:

• Asking about symptoms and recent illnesses
• Physical exam to check responsiveness, fever, and neck stiffness
• Spinal tap to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from around the brain and spine
• Imaging tests like CT or MRI scans
• Blood tests to identify viruses

Increased white blood cells, elevated protein, and normal glucose in the CSF indicate viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis shows very high white blood cell count and low glucose.

Testing the CSF and blood helps distinguish between bacterial and viral meningitis, allowing doctors to determine appropriate treatment.

Treatment

There are no specific medications to treat viral infections that cause meningitis. Treatment focuses on:

• Managing pain and fever with OTC meds like acetaminophen
• Preventing dehydration with IV fluids
• Controlling nausea and vomiting
• Resting in a dark, quiet environment
• Avoiding strenuous mental and physical activity
• Recovering fully before resuming normal routines

Most people with viral meningitis start feeling better within 7-10 days. Healthcare providers will monitor those with more severe symptoms.

Complications

Serious complications are rare with viral meningitis. Most patients recover fully. Potential complications include:

• Fluid buildup in the brain (edema)
• Seizures
• Weakness or loss of sensation in the face, arms, or legs
• Hearing impairment
• Memory loss
• Brain damage
• Swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningoencephalitis)

Seeking prompt treatment helps reduce the chances of complications. Patients with weak immune systems, like those over 55 or with HIV/AIDS, have higher risks.

Is Viral Meningitis Contagious?

So can people spread viral meningitis infections to others? Yes, some of the viruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious. The level of contagiousness depends on the specific virus involved.

How is Viral Meningitis Spread?

Viruses transmit from person to person in different ways, including:

• Respiratory droplets: Viruses spread through the air in droplets expelled from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes. Standing within 3-6 feet of a carrier can expose you.
• Direct contact: Touching an object with viruses on it then touching your eyes, nose or mouth transmits infection. Viruses can live on surfaces for hours.
• Fecal contamination: Traces of stool from an infected person on food, objects, or hands can pass viruses by the fecal-oral route.
• Bodily fluids: Viruses pass through direct contact with saliva, mucus, blood, urine, semen, etc. This requires very close contact.

Using good hygiene like handwashing, avoiding sick contacts, and prompt disposal of used tissues or items in contact with bodily fluids limits spread.

How Long Are Carriers Contagious?

The period when someone infected can pass viral meningitis will vary based on:

• The type of virus involved
• If they wash hands well and cover coughs/sneezes
• How severely their immune system is affected

In general, the infectious period starts about 3-7 days before symptoms appear and lasts 7-10 days after. But some viruses remain contagious for up to two weeks or more.

Is Viral Meningitis Contagious After Taking Antibiotics?

Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and are only used to treat bacterial meningitis. There are no medications specifically for viral meningitis. Supportive treatment focuses on symptom relief.

So antibiotics do not impact contagiousness for viral meningitis. Infected people remain contagious for 7-14 days. It’s important to isolate from others during the first 1-2 weeks of illness or until doctors say you’re no longer contagious.

Protecting Yourself and Others

You can take steps to avoid coming down with viral meningitis or passing it to others if already infected.

Prevention Tips

To protect against viral meningitis:

• Get immunized against preventable causes like mumps and measles
• Use insect repellent and protective clothing if traveling somewhere with mosquito-borne viruses
• Avoid contact with sick people's bodily fluids
• Refrain from sharing food, drinks, utensils
• Wash hands thoroughly and often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching possibly contaminated surfaces
• Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Limiting Spread if Infected

If diagnosed with viral meningitis:

• Isolate yourself at home until no longer contagious
• Cough/sneeze into tissues and dispose of them promptly
• Wear a face mask around others when sick
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Notify close contacts you've spent time with recently
• Follow doctor's guidance on when it's safe to return to work/school

Viral meningitis requires care to limit the spread of infection. But faster recovery is possible with rest and proper symptom treatment.

The Bottom Line

Viral meningitis results from infection of the membranes around the brain and spine with one of several different viruses. It's usually less dangerous than the bacterial form.

Many viruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious and spread through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, feces, or bodily fluids. Infected individuals can typically transmit viruses for 1-2 weeks.

Practicing good hygiene, limiting contact with anyone infected, and isolating at home while sick reduces the risks of viral meningitis spreading. Though uncomfortable, most cases resolve fully in 7-10 days with supportive treatment.

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.