Download Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal Disease
Causes and Transmission: Meningococcal disease is caused by the
bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. It is contagious and spreads from
person to person through tiny droplets that are sent into the air
during talking, laughing, coughing and sneezing. It can also spread
by kissing, sharing eating utensils, and hand-to-hand contact.
Meningococcal disease tends to occur in settings where people are
in close contact with each other, such as daycare, school and
dormitory settings. Some people carry the bacteria without having
any symptoms, so it is possible to catch meningococcal disease from
someone who appears to be healthy.
Symptoms: Common symptoms of meningococcal meningitis
include:
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Fever
Generalized aches and pains
Headache
Increased sensitivity to light
Irritability in children
Loss of appetite or poor feeding in children and infants
Malaise or lethargy
Nausea with or without vomiting
Neck stiffness
Rash
How is meningococcal disease treated?
The best treatment for meningococcal disease is avoiding it in the
first place. Two types of effective vaccines have been developed
against the specific types of Neisseria meningitidis that cause most
cases of meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal vaccines are among those that are routinely given to
children. The vaccination is recommended for children between the
ages of 11 and 12, although it may be given to younger children who
are at high risk. Vaccination is also recommended for college
freshmen who will be living in a dormitory, if they were not
previously vaccinated.
Meningococcal vaccines are also recommended for travelers before
visiting areas with a high incidence of meningococcal disease,
particularly if they anticipate prolonged contact with local residents.