Prognosis

Outcome in most people with viral meningitis is generally good. However, headache and malaise may persist for weeks in adults, particularly following meningitis caused by herpes simplex virus.[6][36] Long-term neurological damage is extremely uncommon, but subtle neuro-developmental deficits have been described in infants who have recovered from enteroviral meningitis.[75][76][77]​ In contrast, follow-up of children after meningitis due to enterovirus-71 has demonstrated no neuro-developmental problems.[77]​[78]

Viral meningitis may recur. Enteroviral infection induces protective immunity but will not prevent infection with different serotypes. Meningitis due to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) recurs in about 20% of patients.[22] Recurrent benign lymphocytic meningitis (also known as Mollaret's meningitis) is a rare condition thought to be due to viral infection.

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