Meningococcal disease
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria known as the meningococcus bacterium.
There are 2 main forms of invasive meningococcal disease:
- meningitis, where the infection involves the covering of the brain and spinal cord; and
- meningococcal septicaemia, where the bacterium invades the bloodstream causing blood poisoning.
People can also carry meningococcus in the nose or throat and yet remain well — these people are known as carriers. Carriers can spread the bacterium to other people (usually through fine droplets spread by coughing or sneezing), some of whom will become very unwell with invasive meningococcal disease.
Symptoms and signs
Anyone can develop meningococcal disease, though it is more common in the under-fives and adolescents/young adults.
People with meningococcal disease are usually very unwell. Symptoms and signs may include:
- high fever;
- severe headache;
- lethargy, drowsiness, irritability or confusion;
- dislike of bright lights (photophobia);
- vomiting;
- stiffness and pain in the neck or other joints or muscles; and
- a rash, which may start as very small red or purple spots then enlarge to look like bruises.
In young babies the signs may differ from those in older children and adults, and may include:
- fever;
- drowsiness;
- floppiness;
- irritability;
- dislike of being handled;
- a high-pitched moaning cry;
- disinterest in or refusing to feed;
- vomiting;
- a rash of red-purple spots or bruises; and
- pale, blotchy skin.
Treatment
Infection with meningococcal disease can develop very quickly, and can be fatal. Anyone with symptoms or signs suggestive of the disease requires medical attention immediately.
With early diagnosis and treatment with intravenous antibiotics (antibiotics that are given via a drip), most people make a full recovery. Some people will suffer long-term effects such as deafness.
Can it be prevented?
There are many different strains (serogroups) of meningococcal disease. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine that protects against all serogroups of the disease.
Since 2003, vaccination against group C meningococcus has been part of the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule for all children aged 12 months.
It is essential to be aware that even though a child has been vaccinated against group C meningococcus, they could still develop meningococcal disease due to one of the other strains.
Most infections in Australia are due to group B, for which there is currently no vaccine.
Those who have been in close contact with someone with meningococcal disease, such as members of the same household, will be given antibiotics in case they are a carrier who could spread the disease to others. It is important to be aware that even if contacts have had antibiotics, they could still develop the infection — so immediate medical help is needed if they develop any symptoms.
Last Reviewed: 18 August 2006
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