As the disease progresses, patients of any age may have seizures. A diagnosis is usually made with a spinal tap. Viral meningitis is usually not as dangerous as bacterial meningitis although the symptoms often appear to be the same. Herpes viruses and the mumps virus can also cause viral meningitis. There is no treatment for viral meningitis.
People usually get well on their own with plenty of bedrest.
They are simply given plenty of fluids and also medicine to treat the fever and headaches. Viral meningitis does usually not result in other disabling conditions and is rarely fatal. A person may have meningitis more than one time, although this is rare. There are vaccines for some types of meningitis. Someone showing any symptoms of meningitis, should immediately see a doctor who can determine the type of meningitis present and begin treatment.