Bacterial Meningitis Disease Fact Sheet

 • What is Meningococcal Disease?
 • Who can get Meningococcal Disease?
 • How is Meningococcal Disease Usually Transmitted?
 • What are the Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease?
 • How is Meningococcal Disease Diagnosed?
 • Are Medications Effective Against Meningococcal Disease?
 • How can Meningococcal Disease be Prevented?

What is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection. The bacteria are called Neisseria meningitidis. The infection usually occurs either as an inflammation of the outer coverings of the brain and spinal cord (“meningococcal meningitis”) or as a severe blood infection (“meningococcemia” or “blood poisoning”).
 

Who can get Meningococcal Disease?

The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease first infect the inside of a person’s throat and nose, usually causing no symptoms at all. In fact, 5 to 10 percent of all people may carry Neisseria meningitidis bacteria in their noses at any given time without becoming ill. However, in a very small number of people who carry the bacteria in their noses, the infection passes into the bloodstream and causes illness.

The onset of illness almost always occurs within 4 days of having been exposed to the bacteria, but sometimes it can take as long as 10 days.
 

How is Meningococcal Disease Usually Transmitted?

Meningococcal disease is not highly contagious. The bacteria is passed from one person to another through very close, direct contact with the infected person’s saliva or mucus. An infected person can transmit the disease by:

• Sneezing directly into the face of another person
   
• Kissing the lips of another person
   
• Sharing eating utensils (such as cups, spoons) with another person
   
• Sharing other things that have been in their mouth or nose with another person (examples include cigarettes, pipes, or drinking straws)

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What are the Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease usually starts with a sudden onset of fever and headache. A stiff neck may also develop, and a spotty, red or purple-colored rash often occurs. Nausea and vomiting sometimes are present as well, but are not indicative of meningococcal disease unless the other symptoms also occur. People who have had close personal contact with a person known to have meningococcal disease and are experiencing symptoms of illness such as stiff neck, fever, headache, and/or rash should be seen by a physician right away.
 

How is Meningococcal Disease Diagnosed?

Meningococcal disease is diagnosed by testing a person's blood or spinal fluid and finding Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.

Physicians may suspect meningococcal disease based on a person’s symptoms before the results of the blood or spinal fluid tests are ready.
 

Are Medications Effective Against Meningococcal Disease?

Yes. If treated promptly with the correct antibiotics, medications can be effective against meningococcal disease.
 

How can Meningococcal Disease be Prevented?

• Vaccination is the best way to reduce your chance of contracting meningococcal disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for certain groups of people at increased risk, which includes all pre-teens and teens 11-18 years of age and college freshmen living in dormitories. Others interested in receiving the vaccine should consult with their healthcare provider.
   
• Practice good hygiene. Persons should cover their noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing and discard used tissues promptly. Wash hands thoroughly following exposure to respiratory secretions.
   
• Avoid exposure by not sharing cigarettes, straws, cups, glasses, eating utensils, or anything else that has been in another person’s mouth or nose.

For more information, visit:

• Meningococcal Vaccination [from the CDC]
   
• Patient Information Sheet [from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases]

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Updated: 11/08

Chicago Department of Public Health
West Side Center for Disease Control • 2160 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago, IL 60612 • 312-746-5380 • www.cityofchicago.org/health