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Meningococcal Information

  • What is meningococcal disease?

    • Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.
    • It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years of age in the U.S.
    • Meningococcal disease can be very serious, even life-threatening in 48 hours or less.
    • The two most severe and common illnesses caused by meningococcal bacteria include:
      - Meningitis - an infection of the fluid and lining around the brain and spinal cord
      - Septicemia - a bloodstream infection.

    Symptoms

    Sudden onset of a high fever
    Headache
    Stiff neck
    Nausea
    Vomiting
    Increased sensitivity to light
    Rash
    Confusion
    Severe aches and pain in the muscles, joints, chest or belly

    How does meningococcal disease spread?

    • Meningococcal disease is spread person-to-person by sharing respiratory secretions, through kissing or coughing, close or lengthy contact, and among people who share a room or live in the same household.
    • Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but teens and college freshmen who live in residence halls are at increased risk.
    • Some people can "carry" meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat without getting meningococcal disease, but can still infect other people.
    • Most cases of meningococcal disease are spread by people who "carry" the bacteria with no symptoms, appear to be random, and not linked to other cases.
    • Meningococcal oubreaks can occur in communities, schools, colleges, prisons, and in other high-risk populations.

    Meningococcal Vaccine Information

    • Meningococcal vaccine(s) is recommended for all preteens and teens.
    • All 11 and 12 year olds should be vaccinated with serogroups A, C, W, and Y meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). A booster dose is recommended at age 16.
    • Teens and young adults, 16 through 23 year olds, may also be vac
      cinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (SBMV), preferably at 16 through 18 years old.
    • Both MCV4 and SBMV can be given at the same time, talk to your provider.
    • Teens with HIV should get three doses of MCV4.
    • People 55 years of age and older should get Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4).
    • People at increased risk (ex: no spleen or poor spleen, autoimmune disease) during an outbreak, should be vaccinated.

    For more information, visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/meningococcal.html