How Do You Spell VIRAL MENINGITIS?
Pronunciation: [vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l mˌɛnɪnd͡ʒˈa͡ɪtɪs] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l mˌɛnɪnd͡ʒˈa͡ɪtɪs] (IPA)
Viral meningitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a viral infection, typically through the spread of various viruses via respiratory secretions, close contact with infected individuals, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
This type of meningitis primarily affects the outer layer of the meninges, resulting in swelling and irritation. Common viral agents that may lead to this condition include enteroviruses, herpes viruses, and the mumps virus. Viral meningitis is often less severe than bacterial meningitis, but it can still cause discomfort and complications.
Symptoms of viral meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, individuals may also experience a rash, sore throat, and muscle aches. These symptoms can vary in severity, with some cases being mild and resolving on their own, while others may be more severe and require medical intervention.
Diagnosis of viral meningitis is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is commonly performed to examine the cerebrospinal fluid for signs of infection.
Treatment for viral meningitis mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and pain management. In most cases, the condition tends to resolve on its own without causing long-term complications. However, in rare instances, certain viral strains may lead to more severe outcomes, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
The word "viral meningitis" is composed of two components: "viral" and "meningitis".
The term "viral" comes from the Latin word "virus", which originally meant poisonous fluid or venom. In the late 19th century, virus began to be used specifically to refer to a disease-causing entity that is much smaller than bacteria and can reproduce only inside living cells. In modern usage, "viral" is commonly used to describe diseases caused by viruses.
"Meningitis" comes from the Greek word "meninx", which means membrane, and the suffix "-itis", denoting inflammation. Meningitis refers to the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Therefore, the term "viral meningitis" refers to the inflammation of the meninges caused by a viral infection.
