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Meningococcal Disease
Did you know...
symptoms of meningococcal disease can develop and progress rapidly, leading to death in under 48 hours?
Which adults need meningococcal disease vaccine?
- Adults need to be vaccinated if they are at increased risk of meningococcal disease. This includes college students, military personnel, international travelers to areas where meningococcal disease is common, scientists who may be exposed to meningococcal bacteria, and those without a functioning spleen.
- Adults who got the vaccine as adolescents may not need to be vaccinated again.
What happens when someone gets meningococcal disease?
- Meningococcal disease most often causes meningitis and blood infections. It may start like a bad cold or the flu causing fever, headache, body aches, and a stiff neck, but it can progress very quickly and kill an otherwise healthy person in less than 48 hours.
- Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, sensitivity to light, and a dark purple rash on the arms, legs, and body.
- About 10 percent of people who get meningococcal disease will die from it, even with the best medical care.
- Almost two in 10 people who survive meningococcal disease will suffer permanent brain damage, hearing loss, and limb amputations.
Why is meningococcal disease vaccine important?
- Meningococcal disease kills and maims so quickly and the best way to prevent the infection altogether is through vaccination.
FAQ: How do you get meningococcal disease?
The disease is spread by close, direct contact with people who carry the bacteria in their nose or throat. Some people may just be “carriers” and will never show symptoms or experience the disease themselves, but they can still spread it.
View the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases’ S.T.O.P. (Share. Teach. Outreach. Protect.) Meningitis initiative.
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