10/01/2024
Viral Meningitis cases occur every week in Ireland so it is vital to stay meningitis aware! Viral Meningitis can affect anyone of any age. It is more common than bacterial and while it is less severe it can make people very unwell. It is inflammation of the membranes that surround the spinal cord and the brain. These membranes are known as the meninges. The membranes usually help to protect the brain from infection and injury.
As this disease can affect anyone, we implore people to learn the the signs and symptoms, which can include a high temperature, severe headache, a dislike of bright lights, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and confusion. The symptoms in young babies may be more difficult to identify and include high temperature, irritability, difficulty in waking the baby from sleep and refusing to eat.
Viral Meningitis is rarely life-threatening and as a result its affects on its sufferers are less understood. The after effects of viral meningitis are not usually as severe as that of bacterial meningitis, but they can still be very long lasting, including headaches, memory loss, and exhaustion
