The incubation period for bacterial meningitis, the most serious types of meningitis, is about three to five days after initial contact with the microbe.However, in some individuals, bacterial meningitis symptoms can occur as rapidly as 24 hours.For viral meningitis, the incubation period can range widely from only a few days to a few weeks. Patients who get meningitis usually have symptoms of headache, fever, and a stiff neck.owever, in some individuals, bacterial meningitis symptoms can occur as rapidly as 24 hours. For viral meningitis, the incubation period can range widely from only a few days to a few weeks.