Correct! Although meningococcal infections are rare, they are very serious diseases that can cause bad complications and even death. For those who survive, 10-20% may have permanent damage such as deafness, seizures, mental retardation, or loss of fingers or toes. The most common early symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. People who live close together, such as college students living in dorms and those who attend overnight camp, are particularly at risk for getting this disease.