The Princeton outbreak of 2013 was an outbreak of meningitis B at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. The third case, confirmed on 6 May 2013, led the New Jersey Department of Health to declare the incident as an "official cluster" to Princeton administrators. A key lesson was the importance of explaining science clearly.
Meningococcal disease type B is uncommon but potentially life-threatening, and spreads easily in close-contact settings such as universities, through activities including sharing drinks, coughing, or kissing. In 2012 there were only 160 cases of Meningococcal disease type B nationwide, yet three cases were identified at Princeton University between March and May 2013, raising concerns for students, staff, and the wider community and requiring a coordinated response. In 2018, Spitzer identified five key elements of effective science communication: building interdisciplinary teams, using storytelling, making information relatable to everyday life, involving trusted experts and community members, and establishing trust between communicators and their audience.
The first case of Meningococcal disease type B at Princeton University was reported on 25 March 2013, involving a student who had recently returned from a break. In April, a second case was reported in a visiting student who spent three days on campus in undergraduate accommodation. In early May, a third student became unwell and was hospitalised. The community was informed the next day, and the New Jersey Department of Health confirmed that all three cases were linked as a cluster.
The outbreak was officially announced as ended on 13 March 2015.
Since 2013, the US licensed two meningitis B vaccines; two doses of Bexsero and three doses of Trumemba. The university recommends all students who live in student residences receive a meningococcal B vaccine in addition to the meningitis ACWY vaccine.