Causes, symptoms, risk and prevention

Viral meningitis is an infectious infection that ignites the protective membranes of the brain – their causes, warning signs and important prevention measures solve.

In a relevant turn of events, several cases of viral meningitis were reported in Kolkata, which triggered fear among residents and health authorities. In a group of school children in the city, the infection was recently diagnosed, causing alarms to trigger how quickly the virus spreads. Although viral meningitis is typically milder compared to bacterial meningitis, children, old people and people with endangered immune system can also cause important health problems. The case of Kolkata recalls what needs to be done to prevent its spread through consciousness, early intervention and disease prevention strategies.

If further cases appear, it is important to know what causes viral meningitis, how it is transferred, the signs of the look, and the most effective ways to protect us and our communities from infections.

What causes viral meningitis?

Viral meningitis occurs when viruses infect the covering membranes of the brain and spinal cord and cause inflammation. The most common viruses that cause this disease are:

• Non-polio-entovirus the main cause, especially in the summer months.
• Herpesviren-like herpes simplex and Varicella zoster (responsible for chickenpox and shingles).
• Mumps and measles viruses – more often in areas with low vaccination.
• Arboviruses – These viruses transmitted by mosquitoes can cause viral meningitis, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Influenzavirus – although unusual, serious influenza can occasionally cause viral meningitis.

Identification of symptoms

Viral meningitis imitates the flu so that early diagnosis is a challenge. Some of the most common characters are:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Swollen neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Disorientation or confusion

In infants and small children, the signs can be more subtle and include:

• Persistent irritability or excessive crying
• Bad nutrition or swinging difficulty
• Vomit
• A packed weakness (fontanelle) on the head
• Lethargy or abnormal reflexes

Since the symptoms can resemble other infections, a doctor's visit is required to receive a correct diagnosis.

Who is most vulnerable?

There are some populations that have a higher risk of receiving viral meningitis, including:

• Small children – small children and infants under the age of five are exposed to a higher risk.
• People with weakened immune systems – people who have chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients and patients with chronic illness.
• Not vaccinated people – failure to be immunized against viruses such as measles, mumps and influenza, improves vulnerability.
• Mosquito-exposed people-in endemic regions of Arboviren is the risk of viral meningitis higher.

Prevention of viral meningitis

No cure is known for viral meningitis, but certain measures can prevent its occurrence:

• Immunization – vaccination against measles, mumps, influenza and chickenpox prevents infection by these diseases.
• Practice hygiene – frequent hand washing, especially after visiting the bathroom or with diapers, the transmission of viruses stops.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick from people with flu-like symptoms.
• Cleaning up of high contact areas-they disinfect the door knob, mobile phones and common areas.
• Mosquito protection – Use protective clothing and insect repellents to keep mosquito bites away.
• Stay at home when you are sick – to avoid infection, people have to rest with symptoms and stay away from public areas.

Last thoughts

This latest outbreak in Kolkata serves as an eye opening for improved awareness and proactive steps to avoid viral meningitis. Although it is not as serious as bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis can still be uncomfortable and have complications if they are not treated. Knowledge of the causes, symptoms and preventive measures is of crucial importance for the security. With the ongoing virus, the early diagnosis and sound hygiene habits for the treatment of the outbreak will be decisive. If you or a friend develop symptoms of meningitis, it is important that medical help is immediately sought for treatment and recovery.