University of Maryland Confirms Meningitis Cases

The University of Maryland has confirmed an unknown number of meningitis cases among its students.

“There are confirmed and suspected cases of viral meningitis and viral syndromes on campus, and they are being tracked carefully by the University Health Center in partnership with the Prince George’s County Health Department,” University Health Center Director Dr. David McBride said in a statement sent to TIME on Thursday. “We have reached out to the organizations that are primarily affected with information about the condition and what to do in the event that they are feeling unwell.”

Viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis, but it can still cause stiff necks, nausea and fever. There’s no specific medication for the illness, but most people recover within seven to 10 days. Hospitalization may be necessary in particularly severe cases.

College students are thought to be at a greater risk for viral meningitis than the general population due to the closeness of college life, like sharing cups, living with roommates and eating in dining halls.