Meningococcal disease is a serious illness, caused by a bacteria. It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 - 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings. Meningococcal disease can also cause blood infections.

About 2,600 people get meningococcal disease each year in the U.S. 10 - 15% of these people die, in spite of treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, another 10% lose their arms or lets, become deaf, have problems with their nervous systems, become mentally retarded, or suffer seizures or strokes.

Anyone can get meningococcal disease. But it is most common in infants less than one year of age, and in people with certain medical conditions. College freshmen, particularly those who live in dormitories, have a slightly increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal vaccine can prevent 2 of the 3 important types of meningococcal disease in older children and adults. Meningococcal vaccine is not effective in preventing all types of the disease. But it does help to protect many people who might become sick if they don't get the vaccine.

Drugs such as penicillin can be used to treat meningococcal infection. Still, about 1 out of every ten people who get the disease dies from it, and many others are affected for life. This is why it is important that people with the highest risk for meningococcal disease get the vaccine.

Important Links:

The CDC's information on Meningococcal Disease

Click here to view the Marquette County Health Department's Fact Sheet Index where you will find access to our Bacterial Meningitis and Viral Meningitis