How does viral meningitis replicate?

Viral meningitis is primarily caused by enteroviruses, which replicate by first invading the host's cells, typically in the gastrointestinal tract. The viruses attach to specific receptors on the cell surface, enter the cells, and utilize the host's cellular machinery to replicate their RNA and produce viral proteins. New viral particles are assembled and released, often leading to the spread of infection to the central nervous system, where they can cause inflammation of the meninges. The replication cycle continues as the newly formed viruses infect adjacent cells.