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Meningococcal Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, that is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria is generally spread through close or prolonged contact with an infected or carrier individual via exchange of throat and respiratory secretions, then infecting the body of the new host and possibly causing disease. (More)

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Virginia health officials are responding to a statewide meningococcal disease outbreak. For the latest information about the outbreak and vaccine recommendations, visit the Virginia Department of Health's website.

Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are often severe, can be deadly, and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease.

Receiving complement inhibitors such as eculizumab (Soliris®) or ravulizumab (Ultomiris™) increases your risk for meningococcal disease. Even if you received meningococcal vaccines, you could still get meningococcal disease. Learn more about this risk factor.

In 2020, CDC reported multiple cases of β-lactamase-producing N. meningitidis serogroup Y in the United States, including eleven cases also resistant to ciprofloxacin. Based on these findings, CDC has updated information for healthcare providers and public health staff on

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Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness that is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus bacteria.

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Symptoms:

1. Fever

2. Headaches

3. Neck Stiffness

Complications:

1. 10-15 out of 100 people die even with appropiate treatment.

2. 1 in 5 survivors may develop deafness, brain damage, or other nervous system problems.

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Abdulrazaq Garba Habib, Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Health Science, Professor at Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, February 7). Meningococcal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html

Garba Abdulrazaq Abubakar. Africa Energy Forum 2023. (n.d.). https://www.africa-energy-forum.com/speakers/garba-abdulrazaq-abubakar

Meningococcal vaccine toolkit. Meningococcal Vaccine Toolkit | IKC. (n.d.). https://www.immunizekansascoalition.org/meningitis-toolkit.asp

Mohammed, I., Iliyasu, G., & Habib, A. G. (2017, February). Emergence and control of epidemic meningococcal meningitis in sub-saharan africa. Pathogens and global health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5375607/

Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, November 25). Neisseria meningitidis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neisseria_meningitidis

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"Emergence and control of epidemic meningococcal meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa"

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"Emergence and control of epidemic meningococcal meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa"

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While there are vaccines available to populations in sub-Saharan Africa, one must note they are not as effective in children. That, combined with the potential for the appearance of new serogroups of the disease in a growing population still places sub-Saharan Africa in a state of risk for recurring epidemics.

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The best way to prevent this disease is to get vaccinated against meningococcal disease per CDC recommendations.

If a person has been in close or prolonged contact with another individual with the disease, it is recommended they receive antibiotics (prophylaxis) per doctor recommendation.

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If a person is suspected to have the disease, a doctor will take blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid samples to check for the presence of Neisseria meningitidis. If present, the bacteria will be grown in culture and analyzed to find out the specific strain.

When the bacteria is confirmed present, the person will receive multiple IV antibiotics as soon as possible for treatment. Other treatments may be necessary in a case by case basis.

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Meningococcal meningitis: Doctor discusses causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention