Sore throats, colds and flu-like illnesses. Only a very small proportion of infections result in meningitis. Enteroviruses are contagious and are very common during the summer and early fall. Many people are exposed to them. However, most infected persons either have no symptoms or get only a cold or sore throat and fever.
Rashes are common with enteroviral infections.
Less than 1 of every 1000 persons infected with an enterovirus actually goes on to develop meningitis. Therefore, if you are around someone who has viral meningitis, you have a moderate chance of becoming infected, but a very small chance of developing meningitis. This can happen by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing your own nose, mouth or eyes. The virus can also be found in the stool of persons who are infected. The virus is spread through this route mainly among small children who are not yet toilet trained.