The specific bacterium causing this disease is Neisseria meningitidis . About 3000 people get meningitis in the U.S. each year. Disease incidence usually peaks in late winter and early spring. Humans serve as the reservoir for this bacterium, and transmit it to others through direct contact, including sneezing, coughing, kissing, and sharing items. Susceptibility to the clinical disease is low, and decreases with age.
Early treatment is more effective and reduces risk.
Common early symptoms include sudden onset of one or more the following conditions. Students with these symptoms should seek medical care immediately . A total of 90 cases were reported among university and college students in the United States during academic year 1998-1999. Eighty-seven of these cases occurred among undergraduates. Fortunately, no cases of meningococcal disease have occurred among USC students for many years.