Meningococcal Disease

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria. Many people carry meningococcal bacteria in their throats but never get the disease. However, in a few people it can lead to 2 common forms of the disease: meningococcemia and meningitis. Meningococcal disease can affect the blood (meningococcemia) and/or brain and spinal cord (meningitis). It can be life-threatening unless diagnosed and treated early.

While it can strike anybody, the greatest risk is to teens between 15 and 18 years of age. Also, students entering college and planning to live in dorms are at a higher risk than other people of the same age. It's easy for infections to spread in crowded dorms or in enclosed areas where students often meet.

Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease often are mistaken for other less serious illnesses like the flu. Common symptoms include

It's important to get medical treatment right away. Meningococcemia or meningitis can get worse very quickly, even within a few hours from the start of symptoms. If untreated, the disease can be fatal (up to 20% of teens die) or cause kidney failure, hearing loss, limb amputation, or lifelong problems with the nervous system.

Treatment

Meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics. When given shortly after the start of symptoms, these antibiotics may prevent the disease from getting worse.

Vaccination

The best protection from meningococcal disease for certain teens and college students who will be living in dorms is to be vaccinated. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent meningococcal disease caused by 3 of the 4 most common types of meningococcal bacteria found in teens. However, the vaccination provides protection against only about two thirds of the cases of meningococcal infections. Although mild side effects, like redness and swelling at the injection site or a slight fever, can occur from the vaccination, these are considered uncommon and usually go away on their own in a few days. Serious allergic reactions to the vaccine are extremely rare.

 

Published online: 2/07
Source: Meningococcal Disease: Information for Teens and College Students (Copyright © 2002 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 5/05)

Healthcare professionals may order this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Teenager. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP Bookstore.

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The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.