Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, causing between 25,000 and 50,000 hospital visits per year, according to the Center for Disease Control. Generally bouts of viral meningitis last between a week and 10 days, and tend to resolve on their own. Doctors recommend treating viral meningitis just as you would a flu, i.e.:
- bed rest
- drink lots of fluids
- take medicine for fever and headache
About 90% of viral meningitis cases are caused by the enterovirus. The enterovirus is especially active in the summer and early fall. Yes, viral meningitis (and bacterial meningitis) is (are) contagious.
Viral meningitis is also caused by the mumps and the herpes virus.
Bibliography
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch. Viral 'Aseptic' Meningitis. Retrieved May 4, 2005, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/viral_meningitis.htm
