Neisseria meningitidis (the meningococcus)
is a bacterium that can cause serious infections
The meningococcus causes meningitis (an infection
of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), infections
of the blood (meningococcemia) and other body sites (for
example, joints). These infections may lead to death.
The meningococcus is spread from person-to-person
by direct contact
Meningococci are spread by direct, close contact with
saliva, mucus, or droplets from the nose and throat of
an infected person. Many people carry the bacteria in
their noses and throats, but they do not become ill –
they are called “carriers.” These carriers
can spread the germ to other people.
Symptoms to look for:
- High fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
- Stiffness and pains in the neck, shoulders, and back
- Skin rash of small, bright, red spots or a larger,
reddish/purple “bruise”
Symptoms occur within 2 to 10 days (usually 3 to 4 days)
after the person has been exposed; symptoms often begin
suddenly.
See a doctor immediately for treatment
People who think they may have an infection due to the
meningococcus should see a doctor immediately. Treatment
with an antibiotic should be started right away to stop
the infection from causing brain damage or death. Lab
tests are needed to prove infection with meningococcus.
People in close contact with a case may need
an antibiotic
Check with your doctor or your local health department
for advice. Preventive treatment with certain antibiotics
is recommended and should not be delayed. Your doctor
or health department will decide which medicine is best
in your situation.
People in close contact with a case may include:
- Persons who live in the same house
- Persons who have contact with mouth or nose secretions,
such as through kissing, sharing eating utensils or
sharing cigarettes
- Persons who have done medical treatments such as
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or intubation
- Children sharing toys, such as in child care centers,
family child care homes, or nursery schools
A vaccine is available to prevent the most common
types of meningococcal disease
Check with your doctor or your local health department
to see if you should get the vaccine. The vaccine protects
a person for less than five years, and it does not protect
against all types of the disease. The vaccine is recommended
for certain high risk groups (for example, military recruits,
travelers to high risk areas such as sub-Saharan Africa,
and persons without a spleen) and to help control some
outbreaks. It is not a routine childhood shot. In Maryland,
vaccination of all college students who live on-campus
in a dormitory is required.
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to Fact Sheet Index
Maryland Department of Health & Mental
Hygiene
Office of Epidemiology and Disease Control Programs
May 2002
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