MENINGITIS is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Infection can be viral or bacterial. It is spread by coming in contact with infected bodily fluid through coughing, sneezing, sharing eating utensils, drinks, or kissing. Symptoms include high fever, chills, lethargy, rash, neck stiffness and headache. The bacterial form of meningitis is very serious. Meningococcal vaccines cannot prevent all types of the disease; however they do protect many people in high-risk groups who might become sick if they didn’t get the vaccine. College freshmen living in dorms, military personnel, and child care providers are at increased risk for disease. Meningitis is endemic in areas of sub-Saharan Africa, and travelers to that part of the world are advised to receive a meningococcal vaccine.
Meningococcal vaccines (VIS) (68 KB)
Meningococcal: Questions and Answers (99 KB)
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment--Meningitis