Meningococcal Disease (Neisseria meningitidis)

Invasive Meningococcal Disease

An invasive meningococcal infection is one that reaches a "sterile site." A sterile site is a part of the body where bacteria usually do not live.  

Examples of sterile sites:  

• Blood
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Pleural (chest) fluid
• Synovial (joint) fluid

Examples of non-sterile sites:  

• Skin
• Nose
• Throat
• Upper respiratory tract

Some bacteria normally live in non-sterile sites without causing disease.  

Neisseria meningitidis can cause dangerous illness when they get into a sterile site. In North Carolina, health care providers and laboratories must report invasive meningococcal infections to the health department. Non-invasive infections do not need to be reported.

Learn more about reportable diseases in North Carolina.

There are six major types of meningococcal bacteria, called “serogroups,” that cause most disease: A, B, C, W, X, and Y. 

Signs and Symptoms 

Meningococcal infections can get worse very quickly and can lead to death. It is important to begin the right antibiotic treatment as soon as possible. 

Meningitis

Neisseria meningitidis can cause meningitis. This is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. These protective membranes are called "meninges." Meningitis can cause severe symptoms. 

The most common symptoms of meningitis include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck

Other symptoms may include:

• Confusion
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light
• Vomiting

Signs and Symptoms in Babies

Babies may not show the usual symptoms. Their symptoms can be hard to notice. Babies may:

• Be slow or less active
• Be irritable
• Feed poorly
• Have a bulging soft spot on the head
• Have abnormal reflexes
• Vomit

Bloodstream Infection

Neisseria meningitidis can also enter the blood and damage blood vessels. This causes bleeding in the skin and organs.

Symptoms of a bloodstream infection may include:

• Cold hands and feet
• Diarrhea or nausea with or without vomiting
• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Fever and chills
• Rapid breathing
• Severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest or abdomen (stomach)

How it Spreads

Meningococcal bacteria spread through saliva or spit from the mouth and throat.

Usually, close or lengthy contact is needed to spread the bacteria.

Examples:

• Close contact: Kissing
• Lengthy contact: Living together

Complications

Even with antibiotic treatment, 10 to 15 out of every 100 people with meningococcal disease will die.

One out of every five survivors have long-term disabilities, such as:

• Brain damage
• Deafness
• Loss of limb(s)
• Nervous system problems

When to Seek Medical Care‎

Call a health care provider right away if you think you or your child might have meningococcal disease.