viral meningitis site:webmd.com
Viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is the most common and the least dangerous. It's caused by viruses, most often enteroviruses that live in the intestines. These viruses can be spread through food, water, or contaminated objects. Meningitis caused by enteroviruses occurs most often in babies and young children.n the United States, bacterial meningitis mainly affects adults. Other types of bacteria that sometimes cause meningitis are: 1  Group B streptococci. 2  This type of meningitis occurs most often in newborns, who can become infected during or after birth. 3  Listeria monocytogenesListeria monocytogenes.