CDC provides information on meningococcal disease for the public, healthcare providers, and others. Meningococcal disease is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, a Gram-negative diplococcus. [1] Meningococcal disease includes meningitis, meningococcal septicemia, or a combination of both, which can be life-threatening and rapidly progressive.

Understanding the Context

[2] If left untreated, the disease has a high mortality rate. [3] Meningitis and ... Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that causes flu-like symptoms and can have severe complications. Learn about meningococcal meningitis, a serious and sometimes fatal bacterial infection including causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Key Insights

Meningococcal disease (meningococcemia) is a bloodstream infection caused by Neisseria meningitides. Meningococcemia symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches. Meningococcemia is treated with intravenous antibiotics. There is an effective and safe vaccine to protect against most serogroups of meningococcus that cause meningococcemia. Meningococcal Invasive Disease Health care providers, administrators, and clinical laboratory directors should report confirmed or suspect cases immediately to their Local Health Department by telephone.

Final Thoughts

Meningococcal disease is any infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, or meningococcus. One serious infection it can cause is meningococcal meningitis - inflammation of the ... Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) remains a significant health concern due to its global distribution, potential for epidemic spread, unpredictable nature, rapid progression, and high mortality rates or permanent sequelae. The global elimination ... Meningococcal (muh-nin-jeh-KOK-el) disease used to cause thousands of serious infections every year. Thanks to vaccines, there are fewer cases of meningococcal disease in the United States than ever before.\\n\\nThere are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines: