Frequently Asked Questions | Meningococcal Meningitis

1. What is the difference between meningitis and meningococcal meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid and lining that cover the brain and spinal cord.¹

Meningococcal meningitis is a type of meningitis caused by the bacteria, Neiseria meningitidis. It is a serious infection that progresses rapidly¹⁶ and may cause death within 24-48 hours.²

2. How does meningococcal meningitis spread?

The bacteria causing this disease can spread from person to person by sharing secretions like saliva, being in close quarters, being sneezed at or coughed upon, kissing, overcrowding and poor ventilation.^2,6,29

3. What are the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis?

The classic symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include fever and vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, rapid breathing, agitation, rash or red spots, poor feeding and bulging soft spot on top of head.^2,6,14,15,18

4. How is meningococcal meningitis diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects meningococcal meningitis, they will collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid near the spinal cord) to check for the meningococcal bacteria.^2,14

5. What is the treatment for meningococcal meningitis?

Several antibiotics can be prescribed by your doctor to treat meningococcal meningitis. Meningococcal disease progresses rapidly; therefore, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.²

6. How can meningococcal meningitis be prevented?

One way to help prevent meningococcal disease is through vaccination.² There are available vaccines that can help protect your child and the rest of the family from the bacteria causing this disease.²

Vaccinate yourself and your loved ones today to help get protected against 5 of the most common serogroups A, C, W, Y and B that cause meningococcal meningitis.^2,9

Talk to your healthcare provider about helping to protect against meningococcal meningitis.

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