Of the five types of meningitis, viral and bacterial meningitis are the most common. Neisseria meningitidis, which causes meningococcal meningitis, is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and teens. Outbreaks and cases of meningococcal meningitis occurred on college campuses in the U.S. in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Here are five important things you need to know about meningococcal meningitis to recognize and help protect against this potentially life-altering disease.

1. There’s more than one serogroup.

Meningococcal meningitis is one type of invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The majority of invasive meningococcal disease cases worldwide can be attributed to 5 serogroups – A, B, C, W and Y.

2. It may look like the flu.

Meningococcal meningitis can progress rapidly, and early symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and vomiting, are difficult to distinguish from other more common infections—like the flu. This disease can lead to death within 24 hours. For those who survive, it may result in life-altering, significant long-term and permanent medical disabilities.

3. Some carriers show no symptoms.

Some people are carriers of the meningococcal bacteria and show no symptoms, but can still potentially spread it. Meningococcal disease is unpredictable and no one really knows why some carriers become sick while others do not. Nearly one-quarter (24%) of young adults are carriers of the meningococcal bacteria, meaning they may harbor the pathogen in the back of the throat, even if it does not cause them to get sick.

4. Typical teen and young adult behaviors increase risk.

Typical teen and young adult behaviors, such as close-quartered living, sharing drinks and utensils, and kissing, can promote the transmission of the bacteria. The incidence of meningococcal disease among U.S. college freshmen living in dorms is more than 3 times greater than it is for those aged 18 to 23 years in the general population.

5. There are different protections for different serogroups.

In the United States, the serogroups that cause the majority of meningococcal disease are B, C, W and Y. Until 2014, there was no vaccine to help protect against meningococcal group B disease in the United States, which accounts for approximately 40% of the cases. Now there are vaccinations for groups A, C, Y, and W, and for group B. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting protected.

Learn more about meningococcal meningitis and its impact at www.MeetMeningitis.com.