Respiratory Tract
Viral meningitis is a type of infection that affects the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain in humans, states The Meningitis Foundation of America. It is usually not as severe as bacterial meningitis but can still cause symptoms and problems such as stiffness in the neck, vomiting, fever, headache, rash and general malaise. One way that it is spread is by droplets from the mucous membranes of an infected person. When they sneeze, wipe their nose or eyes---any moisture or droplets from the mucous membranes can be transmitted or passed on to someone else. It can also be spread through fecal and direct contamination---meaning if someone comes into direct contact with urine or the stool of an infected carrier they will likely become infected as well. Poor hygiene can also be a factor of contracting meningitis. Instilling proper handwashing techniques into a daily routine may help prevent getting viral meningitis in some cases. Once the virus enters the respiratory tract it then enters the body and then the bloodstream. Within 24 hours symptoms will likely appear. The first 10 days from contracting meningitis are the most contagious.
Viral Disorders
In some cases viral meningitis can be spread with the assistance of a viral disorder. According to the Centers for Disease Control, chickenpox, enterovirus, echovirus, mumps, Epstein-Barr virus, influenza and measles can lead to viral meningitis. If the disease begins to attack the person's immune system and the body cannot fight it off properly---viral meningitis could occur. Most of these diseases start off running their normal course. If someone starts to develop complications, symptoms may get worse or the person may notice the presence of a fever or have flu-like symptoms that worsen as days go by. Unlike bacterial, most cases of viral meningitis cannot be treated because of their resistance to antibiotics. Sufferers generally heal themselves over the course of seven days but headaches and tiredness can persist up to 30 days.
Insects
In some cases insects can be the cause of the transmittal of viral meningitis in humans. This occurs when the insect is carrying a virus called the arbovirus. Someone would have to get bit by the bug in order to contract the meningitis. Mosquitoes, fleas, cockroaches and some spiders can carry the virus that leads to meningitis. Rodents can also carry a virus called the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus that on rare cases can cause viral meningitis in humans. Staying away from rodents and their droppings will help prevent transmittal. Using a bug spray and wearing long protective clothing will help ward off outdoor bugs. If fleas are infesting a yard or home, treating the area properly to control and kill the flea population will also reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
