Oklahoma College Students Warned of Dangers of Meningitis

By Emily Wood, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – College students are being reminded about the dangers of meningitis after a deadly outbreak at a northeast Oklahoma school district.

The outbreak in Oologah has reminded parents and students of the dangers of the disease. State health officials say college students are some of the most vulnerable to the disease.

First-year college students in Oklahoma are required to get the meningitis vaccine or sign a waiver saying they had specific reasons for not getting vaccinated.

Experts say a typical college campus can be the ideal place for the bacterial disease to develop.

Crowded dorms and common areas can put students at risk.

Officials at the University of Oklahoma in Norman mail reminders and send e-mails outlining the risks and offering up additional resources at the health center.

"Meningitis is a serious disease, and we want to take as many proactive steps as we can," OU Spokesman Jay Doyle said.

There was at least one case of the disease on campus in 2009.