Those immune systems are immature or compromised are particularly at risk. Most of these bacterial infections occur in newborns, at a rate of about 1 of every 1,000 births. Infection can occur in the womb, which can cause many complications to the baby. In the early 1990's, this was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. Now, with an effective vaccine, the disease is exceedingly rare in Canada.
Death is rare with viral meningitis.
Since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, treatments are normally limited to relieving the symptoms of the disease. Brian Hoyle Brian Hoyle is a freelance science writer based in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada.