Viral Meningitis

Pathophysiology: Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining that covers the brain and spinal cord. The pathogenesis of each family of viruses that causes viral meningitis varies. It is uncommon complication of common systemic infections. In children some studies shows learning disabilities, neuromuscular impairments (ie, mild paresis or loss of coordination), and deafness to viral meningitis. Communicating hydrocephalus is a rare complication of viral meningitis.

Disease Statistics: In recent past during 2009, outbreak revealed that aseptic meningitis caused by coxsackievirus B5 was higher than other severe diseases.

Treatment: For most of the cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Mostly people completely recover on their own within 7 to 10 days. However disease from certain viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza requires treatment with an antiviral medication. Antibiotics are useful only in cases of bacterial meningitis.

Research: Some of the major centres responsible for the studies on viral meningitis in China include Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Academy of Military Medical Sciences; Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Programme, Beijing.