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.
Meningitis can be caused by a virus or bacteria, and even more infrequently, even by a parasite or fungus. Some types of meningitis can be extremely contagious; for this reason, it's important to rule out meningitis if you have neck pain. If you have symptoms of meningitis, you should see your doctor right away.