Health experts urge Central New Yorkers to take precautions against two deadly diseases.

A Syracuse University student was recently diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

Dr. Phillip Gioia says this form of the disease is the scariest, as it can kill someone quickly. It's treatable with antibiotics, but you need to catch it within just three hours. 

He says viral meningitis is the most commmon form, but less severe and most people can recover without treatment. Gioia says it's important to take precautions and get vaccinated. 

Meanwhile, the Powassan virus was recently confirmed in Cayuga County. It's transmitted by an infected tick, and there's no vaccination. 

Most people don't develop symptoms, but some include a fever, headache and seizures. It can also cause encephalitis and meningitis.

"Your high risk is if you're walking off trails through fields, bushes, any place where a tick can latch onto you," said Gioia. "Ticks don't jump or fly, so unless you're brushing up against a tall plant, you're not going to get that."

Health officials also recommend using bug repellent and covering up when outdoors.