Final answer:
Viruses typically spread locally in the epithelial cells that cover the body's surfaces. Epithelial cells are targeted by viruses because they are accessible and can allow viral replication and further infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The local spread of viruses on body surfaces typically occurs in epithelial cells. These cells cover external and internal surfaces of the body, such as the skin and the lining of the gut and respiratory tract. Viruses infect epithelial cells because these cells are readily accessible and provide a pathway for the virus to enter the body. Once inside the epithelial cells, the virus can replicate and produce more viral particles, which can then spread to adjacent cells or be released from the body to infect others.