Do the meningitis math.

In the United States, the disease strikes about 2,500 people annually, including 100 to 125 college students.

Every year, between 250 and 300 people die of bacterial meningitis. Of these, five to 15 are college students.

“Bacterial meningitis is a very rare but very deadly disease,” said Dr. Myra Strother, chief of staff for Watkins Student Health Center.

Bacterial meningitis hits Kansas University every two or three years.

“That’s about normal, unfortunately,” Strother said.

In April, Andy Marso, then a journalism senior from St. Cloud, Minn., contracted the disease. He’s had the front one-third of his feet amputated. He’s also lost part or all of four fingers on his right hand.

Bacterial meningitis is not something you want to encounter. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine that can reduce the chances of contracting the disease.

“We encourage everyone to consider getting a meningitis shot,” Strother said. “It’s one shot and it’s good for four to five years.”

If you haven’t had one, they’re available at Watkins.

Otherwise, Strother said it’s a good idea to keep up your immune system. That means getting enough sleep, eating decent food, drinking less alcohol and staying away from cigarettes.

Because meningitis is spread by “exposure to saliva or excretions,” Strother urged students, especially those living in close quarters, to avoid sharing toothbrushes, water bottles and cigarettes.

A regular hand-washing routine also helps, she said.

Dr. Myra Strother, Chief of staff at Watkins Student Health Center, looks over a pamphlet on a meningitis vaccine.

On any given day, Strother explained, the bacteria that causes meningitis is present in 5 to 10 percent of the population.

“They’re not ill,” she said, “because their immune systems have it under control. It comes and goes.”

Not a big deal. But when the immune system’s being down coincides with exposure to the bacteria, the vulnerability rises.

Being in the same room — a lab or classroom, for example — with a person who’s carrying the bacteria does not put you at risk. Sharing saliva does.

Among college students, freshmen tend to be the most vulnerable.

“They tend to be ones living in closest proximity to others,” Strother said, adding, “KU and Watkins strongly encourage students living in group housing, especially freshmen, to receive the meningitis vaccination.”