Meningococcal Disease Information

Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria (germs) called meningococci, also known as Neisseria meningitidis. Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it is a very serious disease.

The infection can develop very quickly and can be fatal in about 10 percent of cases. If infection is diagnosed early enough and the right antibiotics are given quickly, most people make a complete recovery.

Meningococcal bacteria commonly cause:

• Meningitis – an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• Septicemia – infection in the bloodstream.

There are five main types of meningococcal bacteria. In the U.S., a vaccine is available that helps prevent four of the five types.

Occurrence and Seasonality

Meningococcal disease can occur all year round and in all age groups. However, it is more common during winter and early spring.

Transmission and Carriage

Meningococcal bacteria live naturally in the back of the nose and throat in about 5 – 15% of the population without causing illness. People of any age can "carry" the germs without becoming ill. While anyone could be a carrier, they are most common among young adults, especially men and smokers.

In a small number of people, a particular strain of the bacteria manages to get through the lining of the throat, enter the bloodstream, and cause invasive meningococcal disease.

How it Spreads

The bacteria are difficult to spread. They are only passed from person to person by regular, close, prolonged household and intimate contact with secretions from the back of the nose and throat.

Important Facts:

• They cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings, or factories.
• They are only found in humans and are fragile, only living from minutes up to a few hours outside the body.
• You cannot catch meningococcal germs from animals.
• Chances of being infected from surfaces are insignificant.

Signs and Symptoms

Most cases occur randomly and outbreaks are rare. Early recognition is vital.

Older Children and Adults

• Fever and Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Neck stiffness
• Photophobia (discomfort looking at bright lights)
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Aching or sore muscles
• Difficulty walking or general malaise
• Drowsiness, confusion, or collapse
• Moaning or unintelligible speech
• Rash of red-purple pinprick spots or larger bruises
• Painful or swollen joints

Infants and Young Children

Symptoms are similar to those above, but may also include:

• Refusing to eat
• Irritability or fretfulness
• Grunting or moaning
• Extreme tiredness or floppiness
• Convulsions or twitching
• Dislike of being handled

Seeking Medical Help

You know your family and friends better than anybody else. If somebody close to you is much sicker than usual, seek medical help immediately.

In the very early stages, meningococcal disease can appear to be like other, less serious illnesses. Do not hesitate to seek medical help again—even if it has only been an hour or two since you last sought help.

Young adults should not be left alone if they suddenly develop a fever, as they may become seriously ill very quickly.

Treatment

Early antibiotic treatment is vital. If meningococcal disease is suspected, an antibiotic is given immediately. Patients are almost always hospitalized and may require Intensive Care (ICU).

Management of Close Contacts

Most people (classmates, co-workers) do not need antibiotics. However, very close contacts should be offered preventive antibiotics. Close contacts include:

• Members of the same household or intimate partners.
• Anyone who stayed overnight with the affected person in the 7 days prior.
• Children in a day care or preschool sharing the same room.
• Anyone who shared eating utensils, drinks, toothbrushes, or cigarettes.

Note: Preventive antibiotics get rid of the bacteria in the throat; they are not a treatment for the disease itself.