• Immunization Program Main
• Changes to Universal Vaccine Purchasing
• For Schools and Parents
• Immunizations
• For Health Care Providers
• Vaccines
• Forms and Publications

---

• Department of Health Home
• Community and Family Health Main
• Office of Maternal and Child Health Main
   

---

 

Meningitis (Meningococcal Disease)

Meningococcal disease is spread by direct contact with infected persons by coughing, kissing, or sharing anything by mouth, like utensils or toothbrushes. It can cause pneumonia, blood stream infection, and meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord). Severe disease can cause brain damage, hearing loss, or limb loss.

People exposed to the meningococcal bacteria may experience the following symptoms:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Intense headache.
• Stiff neck.
• Unusual skin lesions.
• Fine, spotty pink rash that progresses to dark patches.
• Infections of the blood or brain, which can be fatal.

Even with treatment, about ten percent of severe cases are fatal. Up to 25 percent of patients who recover have chronic damage to the nervous system.

Scientific Term:

Meningococcal Disease

Generic Term:

Meningitis

Age Groups at Risk:

All

Fact Sheets:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fact Sheet
• Meningococcal Flyer – Off to College (PDF, 2 MB) - Before you start college make sure you are up-to-date on your immunizations.

Vaccine Info:

• Meningococcal Vaccine
  

Vaccine Information Statements:

• MCV4/MPSV4

Related Information:

• Notifiable Conditions: Meningococcal Disease
• Meningococcal memo to schools regarding State House Bill 1463 (PDF, 88 KB)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Meningococcal Disease Resources

National Meningitis Association

 

Last Update: 09/28/2009 10:25 AM