What is the leading cause of viral meningitis?
Causes. Non-polio enteroviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis in the United States. Only a small number of people infected with enteroviruses will develop meningitis.
Does HSV 2 cause aseptic meningitis?
Aseptic viral meningitis is the most common cause of meningitis in the United States. Most cases of herpes simplex virus meningitis are caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), with HSV-1 primarily causing viral encephalitis.
How do you get HSV-2 meningitis?
HSV-2 meningitis, which is far more common than VZV meningitis, may develop during or after a primary genital infection, which is acquired mainly through sexual contact. Among patients with primary genital herpes, 36% of women and 13% of men have been reported to develop meningitis as a complication.
How is aseptic meningitis contracted?
For viral aseptic meningitis, risk factors include those for the specific agents. Enteroviruses can be transmitted by exposure to an infected individual’s secretions entering the oral cavity through sneezing or oral fecal contact.
Does HSV-2 cause nerve damage?
Radiculopathy caused by HSV-2 infection typically affects the lumbar or sacral nerve roots and is often recurrent. In addition to radicular pain, paresthesias, urinary retention, constipation, anogenital discomfort, and leg weakness may be observed.
How serious is aseptic meningitis?
Aseptic (viral) meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in healthy people with normal immune systems. Usually, symptoms last from 7 to 10 days and the patient recovers completely. People with this condition may have the following symptoms: Headache.
Is aseptic meningitis viral or bacterial?
The condition is called aseptic meningitis when not caused by bacteria. Viruses cause most aseptic meningitis cases, which is why the condition is also known as viral meningitis. Aseptic meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis.
Is HSV-2 an autoimmune disease?
It is not known to cause an autoimmune disease. Thus, it would be tough to say that your GI symptoms and the herpes are related.
Can aseptic meningitis cause permanent damage?
Very few people with aseptic meningitis end up with a lasting illness. The majority of cases resolve within one to two weeks after the onset of symptoms. In rare cases, aseptic meningitis can lead to brain infections. Complications are more likely to occur if you don’t seek treatment for your condition.