What is meningococcal disease?
Often referred to as meningococcal meningitis or meningococcemia, it is a serious and potentially fatal bacterial infection that most often causes severe swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or a serious blood infection (meningococcemia).1
How does meningococcal disease spread?
The disease is spread person-to-person through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions or saliva.2 Teens and preteens are at greater risk as they tend to share everything from water bottles and pizza slices to eating utensils and kisses.3,4
How serious is meningococcal disease?
Though rare, it may be extremely serious. About 1 in 10 people with meningococcal disease die even with appropriate antibiotic treatment.2 Of those who recover, up to 1 in 5 suffer from some serious consequence, like permanent hearing loss, loss of an arm or leg, or brain damage.5
What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?
Unfortunately, first symptoms often seem like a cold or the flu, so it’s easy to misdiagnose.6 But even with appropriate treatment, it can cause death in as little as 24-48 hours from onset of symptoms.4
Who is at greater risk for meningococcal disease?
Although anyone can get meningococcal disease, adolescents are at an increased risk.7
Is there a way to help protect my child against meningococcal disease?
Vaccination is the best way to help protect your child. The majority of cases of meningococcal disease in adolescents in the United States may be preventable.2
When should my child be vaccinated against meningococcal disease?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination with a meningococcal vaccine for all adolescents 11 through 18 years of age.8 Talk to your healthcare provider about having your child vaccinated as soon as possible.
If a friend of my child is diagnosed with meningococcal disease, what should I do to help protect my child?
Seek medical care immediately
