Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia are systemic infections caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Humans are the only known reservoir for Neisseria meningitidis.

• Meningitis: inflammation of meninges (lining of the brain)
• Septicaemia: bacteria enters the bloodstream resulting in blood poisoning

Early signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease may be non-specific and therefore difficult to distinguish from influenza or other diseases. Early symptoms include fever, vomiting, malaise and lethargy.