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 that get better without treatment are the most common causes of meningitis. Viral meningitis will last anywhere from 5 to 14 days. Infections with bacteria, fungi, and protozoa are the next most common causes, however, meningitis has resulted from non-infectious causes. The types of bacteria that cause meningitis vary by age groups.