Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus).
It is a serious disease that can cause both:
- meningitis (infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
- bacteraemia (infection of the blood).
These are both severe infections that may lead to death.
Types of meningococcus
There are different types of meningococcus. Most illness in Australia is caused by serogroups B, W and Y. Other types include A, and C. Since 2014, disease caused by serogroups W and Y has increased across Australia.
In Australia, meningococcal disease is not very common. Meningococcal disease can affect people of any age, but is most common in children less than five years of age and in those aged 15-25 years. The disease occurs more often in winter and spring.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop very quickly over a few hours. It is extremely important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The typical symptoms of meningococcal disease can include all or some of the following:
- fever
- neck stiffness
- severe headache
- sensitivity to bright lights
- vomiting
- joint or muscle pain
- drowsiness
- rash
- coma.
In young children, early signs may include leg pain, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour.
In babies, the symptoms of disease can be different and include all or some of the following:
- irritability
- high-pitched crying
- refusing to eat
- vomiting
- lethargy or drowsiness
- a dislike or being held
- a blank staring expression
- rash
- a pale, blotchy complexion.
The rash
The rash can start anywhere on the body as tiny red or purple spots but they can spread and enlarge to look like fresh bruises. The rash will not fade when pressure is applied. Seek urgent medical attention if this type of rash is present.
It is important to know that the rash may not be present at all or may be a very late sign.
How meningococcal disease is spread
Around 5-10% of the population carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat, but very few people become unwell as a result. Meningococcal bacteria only survive in humans and are transmitted from person-to-person through contact with respiratory secretions.
The bacteria is not easily spread and usually requires very close prolonged contact (for example, people living in the same household or deep intimate kissing) to be passed from person to person. It is not easily spread by sharing drinks, food or cigarettes.
Who is at risk of infection
Meningococcal disease can affect anyone, but those at higher risk include:
- household contacts of patients with meningococcal disease
- infants, young children, adolescents and young adults
- people exposed to second hand cigarette smoke and smokers
- travellers to countries with high rates of meningococcal disease
- people with no spleen, complement disorders and other immunocompromising conditions
- laboratory personnel who frequently handle Neisseria meningitidis.
People who have had only minor exposure to someone with meningococcal disease have a very low risk of developing the disease.
Healthcare workers are not at increased risk unless they have been directly exposed to a case’s nasopharyngeal secretions (for example, performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or intubated the case without using a face mask).
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis is based on the patient’s history and a clinical examination. It can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Laboratory samples of blood, cerebrospinal fluid or skin samples can confirm a diagnosis. Meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics.
If you have contact with someone with meningococcal
Public health officers follow up all cases of meningococcal disease. They will determine who is a close contact of someone diagnosed with meningococcal disease. These people are more likely to be carrying the bacteria in the nose and throat and require clearance antibiotics.
The aim of clearance antibiotics is to eliminate the bacteria from the nose and throat of a close contact to prevent it from being passed on to others.
Public health officers will also provide advice on the need for meningococcal vaccination of close contacts of a case of meningococcal disease.
All contacts should be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease and should see a doctor urgently if these occur.
Immunisation
Meningococcal ACWY
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is recommended for all children at 12 months of age as part of the funded National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Find out more about vaccinations for babies and children.
Meningococcal ACWY is also offered to Year 10 students in the ACT through the school immunisation program. Adolescents aged 16-19 years are also eligible to receive the vaccine during 2018 only. This program is funded by the ACT Government.
Find out more about adolescent immunisations.
The meningococcal B and the meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccines are recommended, but not funded for the following groups:
- laboratory workers who frequently handle Neisseria meningitidis
- children and adults with high-risk medical conditions such as asplenia
- travellers to areas where meningococcal disease is prevalent
- pilgrims attending the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
More information
Meningococcal disease is a notifiable condition. For more information about meningococcal disease, contact your GP or call the Health Protection Service, Communicable Disease Control Information Line during business hours on 02 5124 9213.
Acknowledgements
- Australian Government, Department of Health, Invasive Meningococcal Disease SoNG 2014 (revised March 2017).
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Australian Immunisation Handbook, Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra, 2018. Available from:
- Heymann DL, 2015, Control of Communicable Diseases Manual. 20th edition. Washington: American Public Health Association, USA; 2015.
- Australian Government, Department of Health. Meningococcal W Disease. Canberra: Department of Health, 2017.