ST. LOUIS (AP) — Saint Louis University scientists are conducting a clinical trial of a vaccine for the last remaining strain of meningitis for which no vaccine is available.

The trial is part of a national study of an investigation vaccine for meningococcal B disease. Saint Louis University is recruiting children ages 10 to 12 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. Flu-like symptoms can progress rapidly, and death can occur within hours.

Worldwide, 500,000 cases are reported each year, with at least 50,000 deaths. Adolescents are the primary carriers of the bacteria that cause the disease.

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