Viral Meningitis is the inflammation of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. This is the most common type of meningitis. The most common cause of viral meningitis is non-polio enteroviruses. Other viruses that can cause meningitis are: mumps virus, measles virus, influenza virus, arboviruses and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. This virus can happen in anyone at any age. Higher risk people are: children under five years old and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of this types of virus are: fever, poor eating, sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep, irritability, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, nausea, and vomiting. To diagnose this disease there are several lab tests that need to be done which are: naso-oropharyngeal swabs, rectal swabs, stool, cerebrospinal fluid, blood and serum. Most people who get this form of meningitis completely recover in 7-10 days but some require antiviral medication and hospitalization. If a person suspects that they may have this disease a doctor must be seen to diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment.

As a survivor of this disease, I wish my family knew more about this type of disease when I was born. At the time that I was diagnosed, I feel doctors concentrated most of their concern on older children especially those headed to “dorm life” as many colleges require a vaccination for this disease prior to starting freshman year. I feel that parents of young children should be made aware of the importance of getting their child vaccinated for common illnesses. It is said that young children not vaccinated can have this disease caused by chicken pox, measles and mumps that we have vaccinations for at very early ages. A question that still remains for me is how can they tell what permanent effects will happen to a survivor for the rest of his/her life. This disease has had a personal effect on my family and myself that has allowed us to help others that may be faced with this diagnosis.

~Colleen