Meningococcal Meningitis
(spinal meningitis, meningococcemia)

What is meningococcal meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection of the covering of the brain. It is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.

How do you get it?
You get meningococcal meningitis by direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat of persons who are infected. Children under 5 years of age (especially infants) are at greatest risk of meningococcal disease. Susceptibility to the disease decreases with age. It is estimated that 10 to 25% of the population normally carry the meningoccal bacteria in their nose and throat, but only a few of those who have the bacteria ultimately develop symptoms of the disease.

What are the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis?
Many persons infected with N. meningitidis will not have any symptoms (asymptomatic carriers). Others will experience only mild flu-like symptoms. When invasive infection occurs, the symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, and rash. Meningitis is a very serious illness. If left untreated, many will suffer permanent damage to their nervous system, and up to 10% may die.

When do symptoms start?
The symptoms usually start 5 days after infection with the bacteria, but the onset can range from 2 to 10 days.

For how long is a person contagious?
A person with meningococcal infection may be contagious for the entire duration of symptoms. In most circumstances, the person will become noninfectious after one day of antibiotic treatment.

What is the treatment for this disease?
Antibiotic therapy is required. Individuals experiencing symptoms of meningitis should be promptly evaluated by a doctor. In addition, persons who have been in close contact with the case (including household members, playmates at day care centers, etc.), may also need preventive treatment. Generally, persons who have had only limited, indirect contact (such as students in a classroom, office workers, or factory workers, etc.), do not need preventive therapy.

Is there a vaccine for this disease?
Yes. However, the vaccine is not recommended for routine use. The vaccine is given to travelers expecting to have prolonged contact with the local population in countries experiencing epidemic meningococcal disease.

Should a student with meningococcal meningitis be excluded from work or school?
The student may return as soon as he or she recovers following treatement.

How do you keep from getting it?
All suspected cases should be evaluated promptly for early diagnosis and treatment.

If a case is reported, closely monitor all close contacts for early signs of illness (especially fever).

Any suspected cases of meningococcal meningitis should be promptly reported to the Department of Health (Epidemiology Branch) or to the local District Health Office.