Bacterial meningitis affects over 4,000 people and causes 500 deaths in the U.S. each year. 6,000 cases of pneumococcal meningitis are reported each year in the U.S. Meningococcal meningitis infects about 2,600 people in the U.S. each year. 10-15 percent of meningococcal meningitis are fatal, and another 10-15 percent lead to brain damage Antibiotic treatment improves the rate of survivability to more than 85%

Sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck Nausea and/or vomiting Increased sensitivity to light, and/or mental confusion

Non-freshman college students who want to reduce their risk of infection should consider the vaccine also

Meningitis is rare. 

But when it strikes, this potentially fatal bacterial disease can lead to swelling of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death.

Other undergraduates living in College resident halls, who have not been recently vaccinated, should also consider vaccination to reduce their risk for the disease.

  This can include coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items like utensils, cigarettes and drinking glasses.

Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis often resemble the flu and can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and confusion.

The vaccine may be available from health care providers or county health departments.

Fever Irritability Poor eating Hard to wake up

Nausea Stiff neck Vomiting High fever Sleepiness Lack of appetite Severe headache Trouble waking up Sensitivity to bright light

Due to the fact that the symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to the ones of bacterial meningitis which is often more severe and has the potential to be fatal, it is important for people who are suspected of having meningitis to pursue medical care, and have their spinal fluid tested.

he mumps, varicella-zoster, and enteroviruses can also spread through either direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions such as sputum, saliva, or nasal mucus from a person who has been infected

The viruses may also remain on surfaces for days, transferring from other objects, or spread directly when a person who is infected coughs or sneezes, sending droplets containing the virus into the air another person breathes.

The period of time involved from when a person first becomes infected until they develop symptoms is referred to as the, 'incubation period.' The incubation period for enteroviruses is between 3 and 7 days.

Preventing the various viral infections that are out there from infecting you involves some specific measures.

Preventing the spread of these viruses can be hard because people who have become infected may not seem to be sick and have the ability to spread them to other people

Clean doorknobs, handles, the TV remote control – clean them with soap and water and then disinfect them with a bleach-based cleaning product or a solution of ¼ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.

Viruses that cause viral meningitis can spread through either direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions; it is important to cover your cough with a tissue or at least your upper arm. Once you have used a tissue, throw it away. Wash Your Hands!

Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, or other items with people who are sick or others if you are sick. Avoid bites from insects and mosquitoes that have the potential to carry diseases that can infect you - it can help to reduce your risk for viral meningitis.

There are vaccinations that can help to protect children against some of the diseases that may lead to viral meningitis, such as the measles and mumps vaccine (MMR), and the chickenpox vaccine.

Wash your hands thoroughly, and wash them often. It is particularly important to wash your hands after using the toilet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, or coughing.