Viral meningitis is fairly benign, but the more rare bacterial meningitis can be fatal. Busuttil has the bacterial form. But university officials won't know until later this week which strain he has contracted. The vaccine cannot protect against one of the five forms of bacterial meningitis. Fatigue, headache, nausea and fevers causing body temperature to rise to more than 101 degrees.
Victims eventually get severe headaches and stiffness in the neck and back.
Meningitis kills by inflaming the blood vessels in the brain or by overwhelming the body's immune system. Michigan State officials decided to foot the bill for the vaccines to prevent future cases. The vaccine becomes effective within two weeks. We want to prevent any further illness and provide a sense of security. Some students who lined up Monday for the vaccine live in Busuttil's dorm or play in the band with him.