How do you catch meningococcal?

People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.

Is meningococcal the same as meningitis?

Meningococcal disease refers to a condition caused by the meningococcal bacterium (or, Neisseria meningitidis). Meningococcal disease can include meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord – this lining is called the meninges), and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Can meningococcal be cured?

Doctors treat meningococcal disease with a number of antibiotics. It is important that treatment start as soon as possible. If a doctor suspects meningococcal disease, they will give the patient antibiotics right away.

Who is most at risk for meningococcal?

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but rates of disease are highest in children younger than 1 year old, with a second peak in adolescence. Among teens and young adults, those 16 through 23 years old have the highest rates of meningococcal disease.

What does meningococcal look like?

A meningococcal rash is caused by bleeding under the skin. It can start as pink/reddish pinprick-sized lesions, progressing to larger purple bruise-like markings as the rash spreads and haemorrhages. The rash is often harder to notice in darker-skinned people, especially during the early stages.

What is worse meningitis or meningococcal?

Bacterial meningococcal disease, including meningococcal meningitis, usually has a more sudden onset and is a more severe illness than viral meningitis. There is a vaccine for meningococcal disease, including meningitis, which covers about 80 percent of meningococcal infections.

What part of the body does meningococcal affect?

Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It causes the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. Each year, approximately 1,000 people in the U.S. get meningococcal disease, which includes meningitis and septicemia (blood infection).