Coxsackie and echovirus, two types of enterovirus, account for about half the cases of aseptic meningitis. Other enteroviruses and mumps are additional causes. The incidence of these enteroviral infections increases in the summer and early fall. Enterovirus is spread by hand-to-mouth contact and to a lesser extent by respiratory and fecal routes. Mumps is spread by respiratory secretions, with increased incidence in the spring.

Herpes virus, both type 1 (herpes simplex or herpes labialis) and type 2 (genital herpes) can cause meningitis in children and especially infants. Chicken pox can also cause aseptic meningits. Rabies virus causes both an inflammation of the brain and meninges or a meningoencephalitis. HIV can cause aseptic meningitis, especially soon after exposure (acute HIV syndrome).

Some fungi and some mycobacteria can cause aseptic meningits, although this is much less common. Certain medications can also cause aseptic meningits.

Risk factors for viral aseptic meningitis include recent exposure to someone with viral aseptic meningitis, exposure to children in a daycare setting, or being a healthcare worker.

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