Meningococcal Disease

Overview

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection. It usually occurs in one of two forms: inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis) or a severe blood stream infection (meningococcemia).

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Meningitis symptoms (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord):

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Seizures
• Skin rash (often purplish or dark red, may appear as petechiae or larger purple spots)

Septicemia symptoms (blood infection):

• Sudden high fever
• Chills
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Cold hands and feet, and sometimes a mottled or pale skin appearance
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• A characteristic petechial rash (small, pinpoint red or purple spots that don't fade when pressed)
• Shock, which can cause low blood pressure, organ failure, and even death

Treatment

Meningococcal disease needs immediate medical care. It is treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Getting treatment early is crucial to lower the risk of serious complications or death.

Prevention

• Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding sharing personal items like cups, utensils, or lip balm, can reduce the risk of transmission.
• Vaccines are the best protection against meningococcal disease. The ACWY vaccine is recommended for ages 11-18 and college students, while the B vaccine is for high-risk groups. Vaccination prevents future infections but doesn't treat active disease.

Reporting

Meningococcal disease is a reportable condition. 

Resources