Viral meningitis is a fairly common and less severe version that is rarely fatal, although infections involving arbovirus, herpesviruses, or polio may be more severe. Viral meningitis is usually caused by an enterovirus, a type of virus that infects only humans and is spread by the fecal-oral route. The virus is spread by direct contact with infected feces, or nose or throat secretions.
Most children are carriers without symptoms; the virus spreads most easily among young children in a group. Viral meningitis usually strikes young children in the summer and early fall. Scientists do not know why so few children who are exposed to the disease come down with symptoms; those who are well fed, well rested, and healthy are less likely to become infected.