What virus is known to lead to febrile illness and is linked to aseptic meningitis?

The virus that is known to lead to febrile illness and is linked to aseptic meningitis is the enterovirus. Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that are commonly associated with neurological infections, including viral meningitis. They often circulate in the summer and fall months, causing a range of illnesses from mild febrile illnesses to more severe neurological manifestations.

Enteroviruses, particularly coxsackieviruses and echoviruses, are important contributors to the incidence of aseptic meningitis. They replicate in the gastrointestinal tract and can spread to the central nervous system, resulting in inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which characterizes meningitis. The clinical presentation typically includes fever, headache, and neck stiffness, distinguishing this condition from bacterial meningitis, which presents with more severe symptoms and requires urgent treatment.

Other viruses listed, such as rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus, are associated with different clinical manifestations and are less commonly linked with aseptic meningitis. Rhinoviruses primarily cause respiratory illnesses, herpes simplex virus can lead to encephalitis and significant complications but is not a common cause of viral meningitis, and cytomegalovirus can cause various problems, particularly in immunocom