Can a cbc and mri of brain without contrast be normal if bacterial meningitis is present?

Meningitis: Meningitis is usually diagnosed by fever and physical symptoms. A normal CBC would rule out a serious bacterial infection in general. I do not believe meningitis is picked up by an mri.

Id: Likely the white cell count would be elevated but can be lower then normal. It is possible the white count can be normal. Mri is not usually helpful to diagnose meningitis. Best way to diagnose is doing a spinal tap.