Understanding Meningitis and Meningococcal Disease: A Guide for Our Community
- Tara Ly
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Meningitis is a medical condition triggered by either a viral or bacterial infection that results in the inflammation of the membranes ‘meninges’ lining the brain.
Meningococcal disease is a rare bacterial infection (Neisseria Meningitidis) that causes Meningitis.
What Causes Meningitis?
Meningitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. However, Meningococcal Disease is specifically caused by a bacterial infection.
Regardless of the cause, Meningitis is a serious medical condition. It has a high mortality rate because a patient’s condition can deteriorate very quickly.
Cases of meningitis occur throughout the year, but they typically peak in winter and spring.
The survival of meningococcal disease depends on early diagnosis. Symptoms may mimic those of common viral infections. However, once the infection is established, symptoms can progress rapidly, and death may occur within hours.
There are 13 known meningococcal serogroups. A, B, C, W, and Y are the most common.
Between 5% and 25% of people carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat without showing any symptoms.
Infants, small children, adolescents, and young adults are most at risk.
Vaccination remains the best prevention strategy.
The same bacteria that cause Meningococcal Disease can also lead to septicaemia/sepsis (blood poisoning). Patients can suffer from both meningitis and septicaemia simultaneously.
Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease
Symptoms are often non-specific, making them hard to identify. Common symptoms include:
Sudden onset of fever
Headache
Neck stiffness
Joint pain
A rash of red-purple spots or bruises
Dislike of bright lights
Nausea and vomiting
Young children may exhibit fewer specific symptoms, which may include:
Irritability
Difficulty waking
High-pitched crying
Refusal to eat
Not all symptoms may be present at once. Sometimes, classic symptoms may follow less specific ones, such as leg pain, cold hands, and abnormal skin colour.
The typical meningococcal rash does not fade with gentle pressure on the skin. Not everyone with meningococcal disease develops a rash, or it may appear late in the illness.
Meningococcal disease can sometimes follow other respiratory infections.
If you notice symptoms of meningococcal disease, see a doctor urgently. This is especially important if there is persistent fever, irritability, drowsiness, or lethargy. If a child is not feeding normally, or if symptoms worsen quickly, seek medical attention immediately.
If you have already seen a doctor but symptoms continue to worsen, call your doctor or Triple Zero (000) immediately.
How is Meningococcal Disease Spread?
Meningococcal bacteria are not easily spread. They do not survive well outside the human body.
It’s not easily transmitted through sharing drinks, food, or cigarettes. Typically, it requires close and prolonged contact with a person carrying the bacteria, who is usually unwell. This often occurs among people living in the same household or through intimate (deep) kissing.
Who is at Risk?
Meningococcal disease can affect anyone. However, certain groups are at higher risk, including:
Household contacts of patients with meningococcal disease
Infants, small children, adolescents, and young adults
People who smoke or are exposed to tobacco smoke
Individuals who practice intimate (deep mouth) kissing, especially with multiple partners
Those who have recently had a viral upper respiratory tract illness
Travellers to countries with high rates of meningococcal disease
People without a functioning spleen or those with certain rare medical conditions
Individuals with only minor exposure to someone with meningococcal disease have a very low risk of developing the illness.
Healthcare workers are not at increased risk unless they have been directly exposed to a case's nasopharyngeal secretions (for example, if they performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or intubated a patient without using a face mask).
How is Meningococcal Disease Prevented?
Vaccination is the key to preventing meningococcal disease. There are two meningococcal vaccines available:
Meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
Meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine protects against some strains of meningococcal serogroup B.
Routine childhood vaccines do not protect against all strains of meningococcal disease. Therefore, parents and childcare workers must remain vigilant for symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease, even if the child has been vaccinated.
Vaccination Options Available
Free meningococcal vaccines (ACWY and B) are available in Australia under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for specific eligible groups, including children (12 months), adolescents (14–16 years/Year 10, or 15–19 years depending on the program), and those with certain medical risk conditions.
Don't put yourself or your family at risk. Talk to us today about your vaccination options.
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