Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal
bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the spinal
cord. Freshmen living in residence halls may be at higher risk
of developing this disease than other young persons. A vaccine
which can reduce the risk of contracting meningococcal disease
is available. What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal
disease is a rare, potentially fatal, bacterial infection. The
disease occurs as either meningococcal meningitis, an
inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal
cord or a meningococcemia, the presence of bacteria in the
blood. How many cases of meningococcal disease occur each year?
Meningococcal disease strikes about 2,800 Americans each year,
or about 1/100,000 persons each year, and is responsible for
about 300 deaths annually. It may occur sporadically or in small
outbreaks. Rates of meningococcal disease are highest among
infants, but in the past decade rates among 11-22 year olds have
increased. It is estimated that 100-125 ca