Meningococcal disease facts for kids

Meningococcal disease, also known as meningococcal meningitis, is a serious infection caused by a type of bacteria called meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis). This disease is most famous for causing meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause a blood infection, which might lead to a very serious condition called sepsis.

If meningococcal disease is not treated quickly, it can be very dangerous and even deadly. Luckily, there are vaccines that can help prevent it.

What is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is an illness caused by a specific type of bacteria. These bacteria can attack different parts of the body. The most common and well-known form of the disease is meningitis. This happens when the bacteria infect the linings around your brain and spinal cord.

What Causes It?

The cause of meningococcal disease is a bacterium named Neisseria meningitidis. There are different types, or "strains," of this bacterium. Some strains are more common in certain parts of the world. Scientists use letters like A, B, C, W, and Y to name these different strains.

How Does It Spread?

Meningococcal disease is not as easy to catch as a common cold. However, the bacteria can spread from person to person through tiny drops of saliva or spit. This can happen when someone who has the bacteria coughs, sneezes, kisses, or shares drinks or food. Close contact with an infected person is usually needed for the bacteria to spread.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of meningococcal disease can appear suddenly and get worse very quickly. Because it can affect the brain and blood, the symptoms can be severe.

• Meningitis symptoms: These include a sudden high fever, a very bad headache, and a stiff neck. People might also feel confused, be sensitive to light, or have a rash. Young children might be irritable or have a poor appetite.
• Blood infection (sepsis) symptoms: If the bacteria get into the bloodstream, it can cause sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, tiredness, vomiting, and cold hands and feet. A rash of tiny red or purple spots that don't fade when pressed is a serious sign.

It's very important to get medical help right away if you think someone has these symptoms.

How Can We Prevent It?

The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is through vaccines. There are different vaccines that protect against various strains of the bacteria.

• Vaccination: Many countries recommend that teenagers get vaccinated against meningococcal disease. This helps protect them and also reduces the spread of the bacteria in the community.
• Good hygiene: Simple habits like washing your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing, can help prevent the spread of many germs, including meningococcus.
• Avoid sharing: Try not to share drinks, food, or personal items like lip balm, especially with people who are sick.

How Is It Treated?

Meningococcal disease is a medical emergency. If someone is diagnosed with it, they need to be treated with antibiotics very quickly. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of a full recovery. Sometimes, people might need to stay in the hospital for close monitoring and support.

Fast Facts

• In the United States, there are over 2,600 cases of bacterial meningitis each year.
• In some developing countries, there can be over 333,000 cases per year.
• Even with treatment, between ten and twenty percent of people who get the disease might die. This shows how serious it is.
• Many people who survive meningococcal disease might have long-term problems, like hearing loss, brain damage, or limb loss.

See also

In Spanish: Meningococemia para niños