MADISON, Wis. -- Meningitis outbreaks typically occur in the spring, but some doctors said that some recent cases have proven fatal and they're advising certain groups of people to be vaccinated.

They said that meningococcal disease is rare but something the public should watch out for.

On average, 36 cases have been diagnosed every year since 2000, but between two and six of those cases can become fatal. This year, six cases were diagnosed in February and March and two people died, WISC-TV reported.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and the fluid around the brain.

"Meningitis is a very serious disease, especially in the pediatric population," said Kristin Seaborg, a pediatric hospitalist at UW Health/Meriter Hospital. . "It's appropriate for parents to be concerned about meningitis. The good news about meningitis is in the past several years, we've developed vaccines against it and we have many antibiotics that are very effective against meningococcal disease."

The vaccine is recommended for all children ages 11 and 12 and for all who weren't previously immunized, but are entering high school. Officials said that students entering college who will be living in a residence hall should also be immunized, WISC-TV reported.

Anyone who comes down with the illness is typically treated with antibiotics, but must also be hospitalized. Meningitis symptoms usually begin with a severe headache, followed by a high fever, possible nausea and vomiting, according to health officials.

In advanced stages of the disease, patients can become confused, tired, and suffer seizures, doctors said.