Since the mass email went out at Texas A&M, 50 people have come into the health center on campus because of the reported cases of bacterial meningitis.

A&M has not released the identity of the student, but we have learned the person is from the Houston area.

"Someone can be really, perfectly fine and literally be dead in 24 hours or less," said Dr. Martha Dannenbaum, the director of student health services.

A case of bacterial meningitis has been confirmed in a student at Texas A&M University, based on preliminary results from the Brazos County Health Department.

Shane Duff, a student at Texas A&M, said, "I wasn't really worried about it, but when I went back home, one of my roommates had a class with the guy and he already had a medicine bag in his lap, taking pills for it."

Meningitis is an inflammation or infection of the lining around the spinal chord and brain.
There are two types, bacterial and viral, but bacterial meningitis progresses rapidly and can sometimes be difficult to self-diagnose.

"I've been having cold symptoms, but I want to make sure that its not something more serious," said another student, Alyssa Laymance.

Dr. Dannenbaum said, "One of the hallmarks is a very stiff neck, painful neck, where it hurts to move."

She also says severe headaches and disorientation also accompany the flu-like symptoms associated with bacterial meningitis.

Laymance said, "I get shots whenever they come up. I always thought that it was included."

Students living off-campus, like Alyssa and the student suffering with the illness, are not required to receive the vaccine.

"If its free or cheap to get vaccinated, go ahead and do it because you'll regret it, I'm sure," added Laymance.

Vaccination won't protect you 100%, but for those that do choose to get vaccinated...

"Those people are more likely to recover completely without any long term effect and illness," said Dr. Dannenbaum.

When bacterial meningitis is not treated early-on, it can result in limb amputation and even death.

Dr. Dannenbaum said, "They don't get better, they get worse and sometimes they get worse very quickly."

This is the second case of meningitis at A&M University for the 2010-2011 academic year.
There were three reported cases for the 2008-2009 academic year, according to university officials.