The disease strikes about 2,600 Americans each year, leading to death in approximately 13 percent of the cases, which translates to more than 300 deaths annually. On our campus, in 1996, there was one case of meningococcal pneumonia in a UD student. She was treated in a timely manner and fully recovered. The disease is transmitted through the air via sneezing or coughing and direct contact with persons infected with the disease. Because college students often live in close quarters, such as residence halls or fraternity houses, they have an increased risk of meningococcal disease.
Outbreaks tend to peak in late winter and early spring but can occur any time school is in session.