As Linfield continues to prevent students from getting sick, below are sign, symptoms and ways to prevent Meningitis.

The student health and wellness center will hold an additional screening today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those who were unable to be screened on Wednesday and may need preventative antibiotics.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes called meninges in the brain and spinal cord, according to mayoclinic.org.

The inflammation is caused by an infection of the fluid in the brain and spinal cord. The causes of this disease are primarily due to bacteria or viruses. However, it can also be due to physical injury, ear or sinus inflection, a skull fracture or some surgeries.

Bacteria enters the bloodstream and makes it through the brain and spinal cord, which leads to the bacteria affecting the protective membranes.

The first symptoms of this disease are commonly a sudden high fever, vomiting, headache and nausea, according to meningitis.org.

It then exceeds to skin disturbance, confused mindset and even seizures. Once these symptoms are seen, the disease increases very rapidly. It is advised to get medical help immediately if once one has these symptoms.

Those at risk of contracting meningitis are those who haven’t completed the childhood or adult vaccination recommendation.

The most common ages that are prone to meningitis are children younger than five and under the age of 20. College students whom live in a community setting such as dormitories are also at greater risk.

There is a vaccine that helps avoid some forms of meningitis. Although it helps evade this dangerous disease, it can’t protect from all strains of meningitis.