Meningococcal disease: background information

Meningococcal disease 

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, also known as the meningococcus bacterium. 

It can lead to invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) including: 

• meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) 
• sepsis 

Anyone can catch meningococcal disease, but it’s more common in: 

• babies and young children 
• teenagers and young adults 

• older adults 

• people with a weak immune system – for example, due to HIV or chemotherapy 

Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease 

Meningococcal disease needs to be treated quickly so it is important to know the signs and symptoms which can happen in any order and may not all be present. Symptoms of meningococcal disease can include: 

• a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass 
• sudden onset of high fever 
• severe and worsening headache 
• stiff neck
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• joint and muscle pain
• dislike of bright lights
• very cold hands and feet
• seizures
• confusion/delirium
• extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

Symptoms for babies may be different 

What the rash caused by meningococcal disease looks like 

A rash doesn’t always appear, but when it does, it can look different from person to person. A rash is one of the most important signs of meningococcal disease. Do not wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical help.

The rash often begins as a few small, separate spots. These can quickly develop into a non-blanching rash, which means it does not fade when you press on it. A rash that appears and spreads quickly is a sign of very serious illness and needs urgent medical attention.

On darker skin, the rash can be harder to see. It may be more noticeable on lighter areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the stomach, or inside the eyelids or mouth. Check the whole body, especially areas where clothing fits tightly, such as around underwear elastic, nappies, or socks.

How Meningococcal infection spreads 

Meningococcal infection doesn’t spread very easily. It is usually passed on to others from people who carry the bacteria in their nose or throat. Transmission of the bacteria usually requires a long period of close contact, such as: 

• living together in shared accommodation 
• intimate contact such as kissing 

Repeated or prolonged sharing of items such as vapes or straws could also increase the risk of passing on the bacteria.

Many people carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without any symptoms. However, in some people, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause meningococcal disease. 

Strains (serogroups) 

Meningococcal bacteria are classified into several strains. These include MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW, MenX, and MenY. 

Vaccinations 

Vaccines are the best way to protect against several types of meningococcal bacteria. 

In the UK, vaccines are routinely offered to: 

• babies at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year (MenB vaccine)
• teenagers aged 13 to 14 (MenACWY vaccine)

Contact your GP if you or your child have missed a vaccine. Teenagers and students under 25 can still get missed MenACWY doses for free. 

There is no NHS catchup programme for the MenB vaccine if you were born before 1 May 2015, but it is available privately. 

Find out more about meningococcal vaccines.

Treatment

Meningococcal disease requires urgent hospital treatment, including antibiotics and fluids given directly into a vein. 

Most people who receive prompt treatment make a full recovery, but some experience long-term complications including hearing loss, memory problems, or loss of limbs. 

Early diagnosis improves chances of recovery. 

Further information and resources 

• Meningitis - NHS 
• The Meningitis Research Foundation Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm UK: 080 8800 3344 Republic of Ireland: 1800 41 33 44 
• Meningitis Now 0808 80 10 388 (9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm Friday)