Viral meningitis

The spread of the virus depends upon the type of virus involved. Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are most often spread through the stool of an infected person (such as when changing a diaper or not washing hands properly after using the bathroom). Viruses that cause meningitis can also be spread through the respiratory secretions of an infected person, such as by inhaling or touching droplets created when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Insects such as mosquitoes can also spread viruses that can cause meningitis. Contact with an infected person may increase your chance of becoming infected with the virus that made them sick, but your chance of developing meningitis as a complication of the illness is small.