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Meningococcal

Meningococcal Information

What is meningococcal disease?

  • Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.

  • It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years of age in the U.S.

  • Meningococcal disease can be very serious, even life-threatening in 48 hours or less.

  • The two most severe and common illnesses caused by meningococcal bacteria include:
    - Meningitis - an infection of the fluid and lining around the brain and spinal cord
    - Septicemia - a bloodstream infection.

meningococcal image

Symptoms

  • Sudden onset of a high fever
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Rash
  • Confusion
  • Severe aches and pain in the muscles, joints, chest or belly

How does meningococcal disease spread?

  • Meningococcal disease is spread person-to-person by sharing respiratory secretions, through kissing or coughing, close or lengthy contact, and among people who share a room or live in the same household.

  • Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but teens and college freshmen who live in residence halls are at increased risk.

  • Some people can "carry" meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat without getting meningococcal disease, but can still infect other people.

  • Most cases of meningococcal disease are spread by people who "carry" the bacteria with no symptoms, appear to be random, and not linked to other cases.

  • Meningococcal oubreaks can occur in communities, schools, colleges, prisons, and in other high-risk populations.

Meningococcal Vaccine Information

  • Meningococcal vaccine(s) is recommended for all preteens and teens.

  • All 11 and 12 year olds should be vaccinated with serogroups A, C, W, and Y meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). A booster dose is recommended at age 16.

  • Teens and young adults, 16 through 23 year olds, may also be vac
    cinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (SBMV), preferably at 16 through 18 years old.

  • Both MCV4 and SBMV can be given at the same time, talk to your provider.

  • Teens with HIV should get three doses of MCV4.

  • People 55 years of age and older should get Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4).

  • People at increased risk (ex: no spleen or poor spleen, autoimmune disease) during an outbreak, should be vaccinated.

For more information, visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/meningococcal.html