What is Aseptic or Viral Meningitis?
Meningitis is a swelling of the membranes (“meninges”) that cover the brain and spinal cord. Aseptic or viral meningitis is a relatively common and rarely fatal illness with multiple viral causes such as enteroviruses, arboviruses, echovirus, and coxsackie viruses. This condition is called aseptic meningitis because tests for bacteria are negative. Viral meningitis occurs most commonly from June through October, when enteroviruses and arboviruses are circulating in the community. Many people who are diagnosed with aseptic meningitis will experience symptoms of: • Headache • Fever • Vomiting • Nausea • Photophobia (sensitivity to light) • Rash • Neck stiffness • Confusion • Respiratory symptoms • Muscle weakness Aseptic meningitis is usually diagnosed by looking at the symptoms that you have, or by finding a virus in your cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) located in your spinal column, or by the lack of bacterial growth in the CSF.
