Lymphocytic choriomeningitis

**Definition:** A disease of the meninges, caused by an infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. This disease is characterised by fever, stiffness of the neck, malaise, lack of appetite, myalgia, headache, nausea, vomiting, or is asymptomatic. This disease may also present with cough, sore throat, arthralgia, testicular pain, or parotid pain. Transmission is by direct contact with body fluids from an infected rodent, through the bite of an infected rodent, or by droplet transmission. Confirmation is by identification of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in a blood or tissue sample.

**Long definition:** Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a rodent-borne viral infectious disease that presents as aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis. Infections without symptoms or mild febrile illnesses are common clinical manifestations. Pregnancy-related infection has been associated with congenital hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, and mental retardation. Individuals become infected after exposure to fresh urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials.

**Exclusions:** - Encephalitis due to Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus - meningoencephalitis due to Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus