How rare is it that a person dies from viral meningitis?

It is very unusual to die from viral meningitis. It is usually an infection which makes one sick for 1-2 weeks, followed by complete recovery. Most deaths occur either in newborn infants or in persons with serious underlying medical problems, especially disorders with the immune system.

Sometimes, the virus which causes meningitis also invades the brain, causing what is called encephalitis, which is a much more serious form of the illness and can cause death.