Meningitis is often associated with college campuses, and for good reason. College students, who often live and attend class in close quarters, are among those at increased risk for the disease.

Meningitis is an infection of the tissues surrounding the brain and can be due to a virus or infection. The disease is contagious and the bacterial form can be deadly.

"Freshmen and college-aged students are at higher risk," says Sharon Ray of the communicable disease staff at the Barren River District Health Department.

"That may be related to a change in lifestyle, dormitory living, keeping a stressful schedule, and sharing cigarettes and drinks."

Viral meningitis is usually less severe than bacterial, but the two can give the same symptoms. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, drowsiness, and confusion. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

The meningitis vaccine can protect against the most deadly bacterial form of the disease, but not other less severe forms. It also doesn't prevent viral meningitis. However, experts still recommend it for college students, military personnel, people with weak immune systems, and travelers to West Africa.

In addition, infants and the elderly are more susceptible because their immune systems are weaker as well. While the meningitis vaccine isn't specifically recommended for these populations, other vaccines like the pneumonia vaccine can give some protection against meningitis.

Healthcare providers who diagnose someone with bacterial meningitis may need to report the case to the Barren River District Health Department. For a list of the reportable cases, go to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services website: