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Meningitis (Meningococcal Disease)

Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria that causes bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord). Severe disease can cause brain damage, hearing loss, or limb loss.

People exposed to the meningococcal bacteria may experience the following symptoms:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Intense headache.
• Stiff neck.
• Unusual skin lesions.
• Fine, spotty pink rash that progresses to dark patches.
• Infections of the blood or brain, which can be fatal.

The disease is spread by direct contact with infected persons by coughing, kissing, or sharing anything by mouth, like utensils or toothbrushes. Even with treatment, about 10 percent of severe cases are fatal. Up to 25 percent of patients who recover have chronic damage to the nervous system.

Scientific Term:

Meningococcal Disease

Generic Term:

Meningitis

Age Groups at Risk:

All

Fact Sheets:

• Department of Health Fact Sheet
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Fact Sheet

Vaccine Info:

• Meningococcal vaccine
  

Vaccine Information Statements:

• MCV4/MPSV4

Related Information:

• Notifiable Conditions: Meningococcal Disease
• Meningococcal memo to schools regarding State House Bill 1463 (PDF, 88 KB)
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Meningococcal Disease Resources

National Meningitis Association

 

Last Update: 08/26/2008 02:10 PM