Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Viral Meningitis
Consult the health department before posting/distributing Parent/Guardian fact sheet.
Viral meningitis is an infection of the meninges (a thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord) and is caused by any one of a number of different viruses. It occurs most often in children; however, anyone can get viral meningitis. Almost all of the cases occur as single, isolated events.
Cause
Enteroviruses cause most (about 90%) of the cases in the United States.
Occasionally, viral meningitis is also associated with mumps or herpes virus infections. Illnesses caused by enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackie viruses, echoviruses) usually occur in the summer and early fall. Arboviruses, which are carried by mosquitoes, typically cause encephalitis, but can also cause viral meningitis.
Symptoms
Start suddenly with fever, headache, stiff neck, fatigue, and rash. Sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. In babies symptoms are harder to identify. They may include fever, fussiness or irritability, difficulty walking, or refusing to eat.
Spread
Enteroviruses are spread by touching feces or touching secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person. Spread may also be possible when touching objects or surfaces contaminated with feces or secretions from the nose or mouth. Most people who are exposed to enteroviruses will not get viral meningitis.
Incubation
Usually within one week from the time a person is exposed until symptoms appear, but could range from 2 to 21 days, depending on the virus.
Contagious Period
Varies depending on the organism causing the infection. For enteroviruses: Beginning 3 days after being infected until 10 days after symptoms start and possibly for several weeks after illness (through contact with feces).
Exclusion
Child Care: Until fever is gone or diarrhea has stopped and the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
School: None, if the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
Diagnosis
Often the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis (meningococcal disease) are similar. While viral meningitis is rarely fatal, bacterial meningitis can be very serious and result in disability or death if not treated promptly. A healthcare provider will make the diagnosis based on clinical symptoms or may perform lab tests.
Treatment
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider.
Prevention/Control
- Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing or cough/sneeze into your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after using the toilet, changing diapers, handling anything soiled with feces, and contact with secretions from the nose or mouth and before preparing food or eating.
- DO NOT allow sharing of eating utensils (forks, spoons) and drinking containers (cups, glasses).
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled. Clean and sanitize dishes and silverware after every use.
- Clean and disinfect diapering area and potty chairs after each use and bathroom toilets, sinks, and toys at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Viral Meningitis Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis affects the thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by enteroviruses.
If you think your child has Viral Meningitis:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
Child Care:
Yes, until fever and/or diarrhea is gone and your child is healthy enough for routine activities.School:
No, if the child is healthy enough to participate in routine activities.
Symptoms
Your child may be unusually tired and suddenly have a fever, headache, stiff neck and/or rash. Other symptoms may be sore throat, diarrhea, and vomiting.
It is hard to tell if babies have viral meningitis. Babies with the virus may have a fever. They may also be fussy, refuse to eat, or be difficult to wake.
If your child is infected, it may take from 2 to 21 days for symptoms to start. It usually takes 7 days.
Spread
- By sneezing or coughing.
- By touching contaminated hands, surfaces or objects. Feces from infected people can also carry the bacteria.
Contagious Period
For 3 days before until 10 days after symptoms start. Virus may be in the feces for several weeks.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms. Your doctor may want to test for the virus.
Prevention
- Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with the secretions from the mouth or nose or with feces. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- DO NOT share drink containers and cups or silverware. Wash all dishes with hot soapy water between uses.
- Clean and sanitize anything that comes in contact with secretions from the nose or mouth or with feces. This includes toilets (potty chairs), sinks, toys, and diaper changing areas. Use a product that kills viruses.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.