Santa Clara University initiated the process of vaccinating thousands of students to prevent them against bacteria that can cause meningitis, which has already affected two students belonging to the same group. The strain that has entered the Jesuit campus is unlike the ones that can be avoided through the usual meningitis vaccination, according to the health officials of Santa Clara County. The usual vaccination prevents the individual from four regular strains, except this one that has struck the two SCU fraternity pledges. The US Food and Drug Administration did not approve the vaccination for this strain until late 2014 and early 2015.

The two cases of the disease occurred during the past 72 hours, according to the county's health officer, Dr. Sara Cody. She added that this is a fresh and dynamic situation. “The school is focused intensely on ensuring the health and welfare of our students by encouraging them very strongly to get vaccinated”, said Jill Rovaris, Director of SCU Health and Counseling Services.

While one student has been confirmed to have meningococcal meningitis, the second student has been detected with the associated bloodstream infection called meningococcemia. Comprehensive tests are being carried out for the second student to verify whether he has been affected by the same strain. Meningococcal meningitis is a rare and serious disease, which is capable of infecting blood or even regions surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms include stiff neck, headache and high fever, along with nausea, vomiting and higher light sensitivity. Also, it can result in the development of a dark purple or red rash and confusion.

Both the students are showing improvements and till date 500 students have been contacted to receive the vaccination for the serogroup B strain. Rovaris revealed that all 8,800 students of SCU would be required to take the vaccination. The bacteria primarily affect older adolescents and young adults, with the capability of spreading through air from person to person.