Information on Bacterial Meningitis (Meningococcal Disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis)

What is Meningococal Disease?
A serious infection caused by meningococcal bacteria (also called Neisseria meningitidis) that can cause meningitis (a swelling of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord); meningococcemia (an infection of the bloodstream), or both. More than 10% of cases die. 11-19% of survivors have serious consequences including deafness, neurologic deficit or limb loss.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of meningitis often include severe headache, fever, a stiff neck, vomiting, mental confusion or dullness, rash, muscle tenderness and shock. Symptoms of meningococcemia include a sudden onset of malaise (vague sense of illness), fever, weakness, and headache, rash and low blood pressure.

How is it spread?
By droplets from the nose and throat of infected persons, through coughing or sneezing, through sharing food, drinks, eating utensils, or through kissing. Most people who have the bacteria in their nose and throat are not sick themselves, yet they can spread the germs to others.

When do the first signs of illness occur?
The time between getting infected and becoming ill varies from 1 - 10 days, usually less than 4 days.

When is a person contagious?
As long as the bacteria are present in the nose and throat. However, a person can no longer spread the bacteria 24 hours after beginning an effective antibiotic.

What should be done after being exposed to meningococcal disease?

The risk of close contacts becoming ill is very low. The risk of casual contacts becoming ill is hundreds of times lower than a close contact's risk.
Household and close contacts should be carefully observed for symptoms. If symptoms develop, especially fever, a doctor should evaluate the individual immediately. Tell the doctor that the sick person is a close contact of someone who has meningococcal disease.
CDHD recommends preventive antibiotics for the following individuals who have had close contact with the infected person during the 7 days before their onset of illness:
- Household contacts
- Childcare contacts. (Most school contacts are not at increased risk.)
- Individuals close enough socially to have been exposed to the infected person's oral or nasal secretions through sharing food, beverages, eating utensils, or kissing.

How can the spread of meningococcal disease be prevented?

Cover the mouth and nose with disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Only use disposable tissues to wipe noses.
Wash hands thoroughly after coughing, sneezing or after wiping children's noses.
Don't share food, drinks, or eating utensils.
Conjugate Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for some persons, especially:
- Young adolescents (11-12 years of age).
- Adolescents at high school entry or 15 years of age (whichever comes first) for those who have not previously been vaccinated.
- All college freshmen living in dormitories.
- Other groups at high risk such as those with underlying medical conditions or travelers to areas with high rates of meningococcal disease.

How is meningococcal disease treated?
With medical intervention. Usually intravenous antibiotics.

For more information on meningitis and Conjugate Meningococcal vaccine, go to http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/mening/mening_fs.pdf. Or you may call Central District Health Department's Immunizations Clinic at 327-7450.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this page is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your pediatrician or family physician on important health questions!