Is viral meningitis contagious?

According to the New York State Department of Health, some of the enteroviruses that can cause viral meningitis are contagious. However, not all of the viruses that cause meningitis are contagious.

The New York State Department of Health states that viral meningitis can be caused by common enteroviruses and mosquito-borne viruses. In many cases, the specific virus that causes the illness cannot be isolated. However, if the viral illness is caused by an enterovirus, then its only route of transmission is through the patient's stool. For this reason, patients with viral meningitis are instructed to wash their hands thoroughly each time they use the restroom to prevent the disease from spreading.