Yikes! - glad it's viral from the looks of this info...
What is viral meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by an infection with a virus or a bacterium. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or a bacterium is important because of differences in the seriousness of the illness and the treatment needed.
Bacterial meningitis is very serious. Severe bacterial meningitis can result in brain damage and even death.
Viral meningitis is usually relatively mild. It clears up in a week or two without specific treatment. Viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis.
What viruses cause viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is caused by any of a number of different viruses, many of which are associated with other diseases. About half of the cases in the United States are caused by common intestinal viruses. Occasionally, children with mumps or herpes virus infection develop viral meningitis. Mosquito-borne viruses also cause some cases each year. In many cases, a specific virus cannot be identified.
