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.
What is bacterial meningitis? Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen quickly. What causes bacterial meningitis? Bacteria or a virus can cause meningitis. Viral meningitis is more common, but bacterial meningitis is more serious.