Viral meningitis (Pediatrics - PEDS)

This is a viral infection of the layers that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord called the meninges. It is most common in children under the age of one or between 5 and 10 years of age. The most common viruses include the enterovirus, parechovirus and herpes virus. Symptom onset is characterized by a catarrhal infection of the upper respiratory tract. In children, it manifests as non-specific febrile symptoms: headache, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. In newborns, neurological symptoms may be minimal or non-specific but general symptoms usually occur, such as refusal to breastfeed, vomiting, rash and respiratory symptoms. Patients will be treated with supportive and symptomatic therapies, antibiotics until bacterial infection can be ruled out and antivirals.