In less severe cases, other symptoms such as diarrhoea or with mumps, salivary gland swelling may occur. Treatment Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics and treatment is based on good nursing care. Recovery is normally completed, but headaches, tiredness and depression may persist. It can also develop as a result of infection with herpes simplex, measles, polio or chickenpox. Coxsackie Found in the intestines of humans, and therefore in faeces and sewage polluted water, these viruses are the most common causes of viral meningitis.
Most cases occur in the summer months.
The herpes virus is widespread and usually produces cold sores, but can occasionally cause viral meningitis or encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain itself.