What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria Meningitidis. In some people, the bacterium can cause meningitis (an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) and/or bacteremia (an infection in the blood).
How is meningococcal disease spread?
Meningococcal disease is spread from person-to-person by droplets from the nose and mouth (example: coughing, sharing drinks, and sneezing). It is not spread by casual contact (example: being in the same room as an infected person).
Where does meningococcal disease occur?
Meningococcal disease occurs in low numbers worldwide. Certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa have repeated epidemics of meningococcal disease.
Source: CDC National Center for Infectious Diseases (2008).
www.cdc.gov/travel
What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?
Symptoms of meningococcal disease may include:
- sudden onset of fever
- very bad headache
- stiff neck
- nausea and vomiting
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- light sensitivity
- confusion
- sleepiness
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How is meningococcal disease prevented?
To prevent meningococcal disease:
- get vaccinated
- avoid contact with saliva of others and do not share food, drinks, cigarettes, water bottles, lipstick, etc.
- wash your hands often
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal vaccine is usually recommended for people who will be travelling to, or living in, an area where there is a high risk of meningococcal disease (example: travellers going to Mecca and Saudi Arabia during the annual Hajj).
Meningococcal Vaccine Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- swelling, redness, or soreness at the injection site
- fever or chills
- headache
- tiredness
To ease side effects, drink plenty of fluids, put an ice pack on your arm, or try fever or pain medicine (Aspirin is not recommended for children).
