Word Origin & History. augur 1540s, from L. augur, a religious official in ancient Rome who foretold events by interpreting omens, perhaps originally meaning an increase in crops enacted in ritual, in which case it probably is from Old L. *augos (gen. *augeris) increase, and is related to augere increase (see augment).
Bacterial meningitis is serious, and can be fatal within days without prompt antibiotic treatment. Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage or death. It's also important to talk to your doctor if a family member or someone you work with has meningitis.
Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, with bacterial infections being the second most common cause. Additional and more rare causes of meningitis include parasites, fungi, and causes that are non-infectious such as ones related to drugs. Meningitis caused by a viral infection is sometimes referred to as, 'aseptic meningitis,' and is serious, although rarely fatal in people with average immune systems. The symptoms of viral meningitis usually last between 7 and 10 days, and people often experience a complete recovery.