Viral meningitis causes an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain.
 Most cases of viral meningitis are caused by enteroviruses (common stomach viruses)
Meningitis caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (known as "meningococcal meningitis") can be differentiated from meningitis with other causes by a rapidly spreading petechial rash, which may precede other symptoms

