The cause of susceptibility, other than the obvious -- a weakened immune -- system is not known. People who come in close contact, such as members of a family, children and youngsters at school of day care, those that are sexually or otherwise intimate will transmit the disease. These individuals are at high risk. If one of a cohort come down with symptoms, and it is proven to be meningitis, then others in close contact have to be vaccinated or otherwise medicated. The Center for Disease Control also through their own research identifies at-risk populations for vaccinations.(Humble 2009) the at large populace is not vaccinated. Members of the military as well as workers in medical facilities are at a higher risk and have to be necessarily medicated. Military personnel were one of the first to receive compulsory doses of antibiotics to prevent incidents of meningitis.

Treatment

There are several vaccines that are sage and have been successfully used for the treatment of meningitis. The two vaccines are: U.S. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4 or Menomune®) and Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4 or MenactraT). The first has been in use for almost three-decade, the second has been licensed for use in 2005. The first is used for individuals who might be at higher risk such as children or the elderly....

The second is used for those between 11 and 55 years of age.
Prevalence and Incidence patterns

With early detection and treatment, coma and death are nearly impossible. Incidents of infection also have been significantly reduced with the use of vaccines. This is especially true in developed countries with a better medical infrastructure. On the other hand, in developing countries especially in Africa, the lack of knowledge and availability of vaccines and treatment facilities, and with people living in close proximity, infections and spread can cause mini-epidemics, resulting in death among the vulnerable. People who travel often or travel to developing countries are advised to get vaccinated before they leave the United States.

Because of available treatment, it is difficult to identify meningitis incidence through specific demographics. Typically, about 85% of all cases reported are below five years of age. (Rice, Walling and Kallail 1990) in terms of race, the incidences among Caucasians are slightly higher than in African-American individuals. The incidence in males is also slightly higher than that of women.