Meningococcal Disease

What is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal (muh-nin-jo-cok-ul) disease is a serious bacterial illness that can lead to severe swelling of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or infection of the bloodstream (meningococcal septicemia). Pneumonia can also occur but is less common.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meningococcal bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like saliva or spit (e.g., by coughing, living in close quarters, kissing).

Burden

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but those at increased risk include:

Infants younger than 1 year
Teens (adolescents) and young adults age 16-23 years
College students
People with certain medical conditions that affect the immune system such as HIV
Microbiologists who routinely work with isolates of Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease
People in a commnunity experiencing an outbreak
Individuals traveling to a country where meningococcal disease is epidemic or highly endemic
Military recruits

Even with treatment, approximately 1 in 6 people with invasive meningococcal disease will die, sometimes in as little as 24 hours. Of those who survive, 1 in 5 may suffer serious and permanent complications including brain damage, kidney damage, hearing loss, and amputation of arms, legs, fingers, or toes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of meningococcal disease have increased in recent years and now exceed pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, 503 cases were reported, the largest number of US meningococcal disease cases since 2013.

Symptoms

Early meningococcal disease symptoms are often similar to influenza (flu) which can cause a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms usually progress very quickly and may include a combination of the following:

Fever
Headache
Stiff neck
Confusion
Nausea, vomiting
Exhaustion
Purplish rash

Death can happen in as little as 24-48 hours. People who experience these symptoms, especially if they are unusually sudden, progressive, or severe, should be examined as soon as possible by a healthcare professional.

Prevention

Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease. 3 types of meningococcal vaccines are currently available in the US (MenACWY, MenB, MenABCWY).

CDC recommends routine MenACWY for:

All preteens age 11-12 years
All teens age 16 years (booster dose)
Children and adults at increased risk for meningococcal disease

CDC recommends routine MenB vaccine:

Individuals age 10 years and older at increased risk for meningococcal disease

Teens and young adults (age 16-23 years) also may get a MenB vaccine

CDC recommends the combination MenABCWY vaccination as an option for:

Individuals age 10 years and older who need MenACWY and MenB at the same visit

Talk with a trusted healthcare professional about missed doses of MenACWY and about MenB vaccination.

CDC recommends meningococcal vaccines for adults at increased risk, including:

Those with certain medical conditions
International travelers to areas where meningococcal disease is endemic
Those whose jobs involve working with meningococcal bacteria
College students
Military personnel
Those in a community experiencing a meningococcal disease outbreak

Treatment

Meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important to help reduce the risk of death. Depending on how serious the infection is, people with meningococcal disease may need other treatments, including: