Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus [muh-ning-goh-KOK-us]. These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).
These bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing). Doctors treat meningococcal disease with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease.
Risk factors, causes and spread to others, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications, prevention, photos...
Information on vaccines that protect against meningococcal disease, recommendations, safety information...
Surveillance systems, disease trends, enhanced surveillance reports...
Clinical features, disease burden, risk groups...
Outbreak definition, control measures including vaccination and prophylaxis...
CDC's Bacterial Meningitis Laboratory and reference lab, laboratory methods for meningitis diagnosis...
Global meningococcal disease, epidemics in Africa, CDC response globally...
Publications, podcasts, videos, print materials...
- Meningococcal Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know
This page offers comprehensive information about meningococcal vaccines, including types and how well they work. - Meningococcal Vaccination: Information for Healthcare Professionals
These webpages give vaccine recommendations and contraindications; composition, immunogenicity, and efficacy; storage and handling; and administration details. - MenACWY Vaccines | MenB Vaccines
These one-page CDC vaccine information statements explain who should get MenACWY and MenB vaccines and when.
CDC recently reported multiple cases of β-lactamase-producing N. meningitidis serogroup Y in the United States, including eleven cases also resistant to ciprofloxacin. CDC has new information for healthcare providers and public health staff to consider regarding treatment, prophylaxis, and surveillance activities based on these findings.
Taking complement inhibitors such as eculizumab (Soliris®) or ravulizumab (Ultomiris™) increases your risk for meningococcal disease. Even if you received meningococcal vaccines, you could still get meningococcal disease. Learn more about this risk factor.
Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease usually start suddenly and include fever, headache, and a stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu). Often people with meningococcal disease also have nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash, and confusion. Learn more about signs and symptoms.