Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria (germ) called meningococcus. Meningitis and septicemia are two serious infections caused by this germ. Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord. Septicemia is a blood infection that can damage vital organs in the body. The disease is not common in Canada, affecting less than 1 person in every 100, 000 each year. Most meningococcal disease is caused by the group B bacteria. Other types include groups A, C, Y and W135. Meningococcal disease is very serious, causing death to almost all individuals who do not receive treatment. With treatment, 1 in 15 people will die. People with septicemia can die in as little as 6 to 12 hours after symptoms begin. Prompt medical attention is necessary. Treatment involves antibiotics, intravenous fluids, medications to support blood pressure and sometimes a breathing machine.

What are the symptoms?

Early signs include fever, drowsiness, reduced consciousness, irritability and fussiness in children.  Other symptoms include severe headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, and sometimes a rash. 

How do meningococcal diseases spread?

The disease is spread by people who have the bacteria living in their nose and throat. Transmission of the germ to another person can occur by direct contact with the respiratory and oral secretions of an infected person. Disease spread can happen:

• when people are in close contact such as sharing the same house, kissing, coughing or sneezing when others are near.
• when in contact with saliva, such as sharing food, drinks, water bottles, tooth brushes, mouthed toys, mouth guards or musical instruments.

When a person is diagnosed with meningococcal disease, an antibiotic will often be given to close contacts to help stop the spread of the germs. Sometimes a vaccine can also be given.

How can I protect myself or my child?

A vaccine is available for certain types of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal C vaccine is now routinely given to babies and young children. Meningococcal ACYW-135 vaccine protects against groups A, C, Y and W135 and is given to all Ontario grade 7 students and to those who are at higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. Meningococcal type B vaccine is only available to individuals who are at high risk of getting meningococcal disease. Your healthcare provider can provide further advise.

Antibiotics are sometimes used to prevent disease if a person has been in close or lengthy contact with someone who has meningococcal disease. This is called prophylaxis. People at increased risk of getting this disease include members of the same household, roommates or anyone with direct contact with a patient's oral secretions (saliva or spit). KFL&A Public Health will contact you and provide guidance to help protect you. 

What do I do if I have more questions?

Contact KFL&A Public Health.

Sources

Caring for Kids. Toronto: The Canadian Pediatric Society; c2015. Meningococcal Disease; Accessed: 2016-11-18.

MOHLTC. Toronto: MOHLTC; c2015. Diseases: Meningococcal; Accessed 2016-11-18. 

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta: CDC; c2015. Meningococcal Disease. Accessed 2016-11-18.