Most cases occurred in children less than 5 years of age. It is very rare in Canada now because all infants are immunized with a very effective Hib vaccine, starting at 2 months of age. TB meningitis can occur at any age, but is most frequent in infants. It is uncommon in Canada. Diagnosis can be difficult because unlike other bacterial forms of meningitis, it most often develops slowly over time rather than over 1-3 days.
Viral meningitis is more common but generally less serious than bacterial meningitis.
Almost all cases recover completely and it is rarely life threatening. Fungal meningitis is quite rare. In rare cases, it can cause a dangerous form of meningitis, primarily in premature babies with very low birth weight or in persons with disorders of the immune system. Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus commonly found in soil. It causes most cases of fungal meningitis.