Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. There are 2 common meningococcal infections. One kind of meningococcal infection can infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord and cause swelling, leading to meningitis. Another meningococcal infection can enter the blood and damage the walls of the blood vessels and cause bloodstream infections. This causes bleeding in the skin and organs. The most common symptoms include high fever, tiredness, and a rash. Changes in behavior such as confusion, sleepiness, and being hard to wake up are important symptoms to watch for. Meningitis and bloodstream infections are both very serious and can be deadly. Meningococcal disease is rare, but it is more common in infants, children, and young adults.

Neisseria meningitidis bacteria can spread by contact with mucus or when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, which creates small droplets that contain the bacteria. Other people can become infected if they breathe in those droplets. It also requires close continuous contact to spread meningococcal disease. The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is to get vaccinated.