Symptoms generally appear within 1 week of exposure. Illness usually lasts less than 10 days, and people usually recover completely without complications. Though anyone can get viral meningitis, but it occurs most often in children and young adults. Viral meningitis is relatively common. Almost all cases occur as single, isolated events.
Outbreaks are rare.
It is diagnosed by blood tests and spinal fluid analysis. No specific treatment is available for viral meningitis. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Handwashing helps prevent infection with many of the viruses that can cause viral meningitis. Wash hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, after changing diapers, before preparing and eating food, and after sneezing and coughing.