Viral meningitis is caused by one of many different types of viruses. Viral meningitis is sometimes called aseptic meningitis. Viral meningitis is much more common than bacterial meningitis. Fortunately, most cases of viral meningitis are relatively mild, especially compared to bacterial meningitis. Death or permanent brain damage is very rare after viral meningitis.
Many cases are very mild, with only fever and headache being present.
Such cases are so mild even they usually are not seen by a doctor and may not be identified as meningitis. In more severe cases, the disease progresses to include symptoms such as stiff neck, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, aches and pains in muscles and joints, and altered consciousness. Almost all people recover within 5 to 10 days without any permanent damage. Death is extremely uncommon in viral meningitis. Antibiotics have no effect against viruses, so treatmentis normally limited to relieving the symptoms of the disease.