Talarek said that there are an average of 100-125 cases of bacterial meningitis on college campuses yearly. She also said that freshmen living in dorms are at a greater risk for contracting the disease, although all students are at risk. A vaccine is available. It is 85-100 percent effective against four of the five strains of meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the brain.
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is cured with little to no treatment.
The Grassroots website reports that the Meningitis bacteria is around us all the time. In rare cases, the germ can get into the blood stream or brain and cause serious illness. Anyone can get the germ, although very few people will get sick. However, it is so devastating when the disease hits, and that's why we hear so much about it. The Detroit Free Press reported on Oct. 11 that there is no epidemic.