A student who had been in close contact with meningitis has been diagnosed with a blood infection, and the other infected student is in serious condition. Meningitis presents a real health threat, and ISU students should be aware of their risks for the disease. College students are at increased risk for meningitis because of the community living quarters. Shared rooms, bathrooms and dishes increase the risk of contracting meningitis. Symptoms of meningitis are very similar to the flu, so students often are not aware that they have meningitis. Symptoms include fever, headache, rash, sensitivity to light, a stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. If a student shows these signs, they should see a doctor. Meningitis is treatable, but if left untreated, it can be deadly. A meningitis vaccine is available at the Student Health Center for $77. This is a stiff fee for many students, but paying the fee is a lot better than losing a life. Even if students don’t get vaccinated, they should be careful to avoid contracting the disease. Meningitis is passed through respiratory fluids and saliva. Students should be careful to avoid sharing drinks and dishes. Students should also be aware of whom they kiss. Since the disease is passed through saliva, kissing can present a danger if someone is infected with meningitis. As with any health threat, awareness is the most important step to prevention. Be careful to avoid unnecessary contact that may lead to meningitis, and fork over the money for a vaccine.editorialboard: Carrie Tett, Greg Jerrett, Katie Goldsmith, Andrea Hauser and Jocelyn Marcus