Viral meningitis question

[Pickles31]

I’m almost 39 weeks pregnant and we just found out my brother in law has viral meningitis and has been admitted to hospital. He and his partner had to have a lumbar puncture to determine what it was. His parents have been to visit him so I don’t think it’s contagious as they have it under control but would you say it’s best that me and hubby don’t go to see him to be on the safe side. I’m sure they wouldn’t let people see him if it was highly contagious but I don’t want to risk it with my baby so close to being born

My understanding is that meningitis just means an inflammation of the outer lining of the brain. It is a serious though usually rare side effect of whatever virus or bacteria is causing the person to be ill. I might be wrong though and am happy to be corrected by more qualified people. I don't think the meningitis is therefore contagious.

However your BIL will probably still have had or still have some sort of virus to have made him I'll. As you are pregnant you are probably wise to be cautious and avoid the possibility of catching that. I imagine it would be extremely unlikely to cause meningitis in you even if you did catch the virus but who wants to be ill in pregnancy,so.maybe better safe than sorry for you?

Your DH should be fine to visit I imagine