Epidemiology of Meningitis and Encephalitis in Infants and Children in the United States, 2011–2014

Abstract

Meningitis and encephalitis in infants and children in the United States are more commonly caused by viruses and are treated empirically with antibiotic therapy and antiviral therapy in a significant proportion of cases. Adjunctive steroids are used infrequently and are not associated with a benefit in mortality.