Because most persons who are infected with enteroviruses do not become sick and, therefore, do not know they have the infection, it is very difficult to prevent the spread of enteroviruses. The most effective method of preventing spread of the virus is to wash your hands thoroughly and often. Mumps and Measles Mumps and measles viruses can cause meningitis as well as a more severe infection called encephalitis in which the brain itself is affected by the virus. Herpes simplex virus Herpes virus can cause meningitis, but more often causes a very severe form of encephalitis. Arboviruses Arboviruses are a very large group of viruses which are spread by the bite of insects, most often mosquitos and ticks.
Arboviruses normally infect wild animals such as birds or rodents.
A very few of these viruses can cause meningitis in humans, but this happens very rarely. Many infections with arboviruses occur without any symptoms at all, but they can cause either meningitis or encephalitis. The latter infection can be very severe or fatal. Outbreaks of arbovirus meningitis or encephalitis usually occur in the summer months when mosquitoes and ticks are most prevalent. The most common arbovirus causing outbreaks in Canada is one called St. Louis Encephalitis virus.