Random Laurene Factoid: According to the 1946 U.S. Social Security Administration data, the first name Laurene is not a popular baby girl's name in Ohio. Imagine that, only 5 babies in Ohio have the same name as you in 1946.
Bacteria and viruses are the two main causes of meningitis. The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus, causes meningococcal meningitis. In children and teens, meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. In adults, it is the second most common cause.
For example, though rare, meningococcal meningitis is a type of bacterial meningitis that can cause: 1  Serious complications, such as amputations, scarring, and brain damage in about 1 in 5 people.  Death in 10%-15% of cases even when appropriate antibiotic therapy is used.