Meningococcal disease is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides that can cause meningitis and in some cases severe septicaemia. Meningococcal disease is a significant public health problem in some parts of the world.

Transmission

• Meningococcal infection is transmitted through droplet/aerosol spread of nasal/pharyngeal secretions of infected individuals or asymptomatic carriers.
• Close/prolonged contact is required for transmission - e.g. kissing, sneezing/coughing, living in close quarters (such as a dormitory) or sharing eating and drinking utensils

Vaccine Schedule

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Signs and symptoms of meningitis

Asymptomatic carriage is possible. Symptoms commonly include one or more of the following:

• Sudden onset of fever.
• Intense headache.
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Photophobia.
• Neck stiffness.
• Rash - petechial (doesn't blanch on pressure) - characteristic of invasive meningococcal disease, seen in up to 80% cases.