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Meningococcal Information for the Public
Meningococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections.
Meningococcal disease is serious and can be deadly in hours.
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Transmission (Spread)
People spread meningococcal bacteria to others by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit).
It usually takes close or lengthy contact to spread the bacteria.
- Example of close contact: Kissing
- Example of lengthy contact: Living together
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Prevention
The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is to get vaccinated.
CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens, as well as other children and adults at increased risk.
Close contacts of someone with meningococcal disease should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick.
- A healthcare provider or health department generally decides who should get preventive antibiotics.
Meningococcal vaccination is especially important for college students
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Signs and SymptomsThe most common symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms of meningococcal bloodstream infection include:
- Cold hands and feet
- Diarrhea or nausea with or without vomiting
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
- Fever and chills
- Rapid breathing
- Severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen (belly)
- In the later stages, a dark purple rash
Meningococcal Disease Symptoms and Complications (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Risk of Disease
Meningococcal is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis in U.S.
- Cases of meningococcal disease are on the rise.
- As of March 25, 2024 there have been 143 cases of meningococcal disease reported in the U.S. compared with 81 at the same time last year.
- Cases of Meningococcal Disease Are Increasing in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but certain people are at increased risk.
- College freshmen living in dorms are at increased risk
- Cases of meningococcal disease are on the rise.
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Reporting
Meningococcal is a notifiable disease. A notifiable disease is one that doctors must report to state or local public health officials.
Public health officials track some diseases because they can spread easily, are serious, or happen often.
Notifiable diseases in Michigan:
Michigan's List of Notifiable Diseases 2025 By Condition
Michigan's List of Notifiable Diseases 2025 By Pathogen -
Questions About
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Meningococcal and the vaccine used to prevent it.
Meningococcal: Questions and Answers (immunize.org)
Ask The Experts About Vaccines: Meningococcal ACWY (mmunize.org)
Video: What Meningitis Vaccine do Most Teenagers Need? (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Video: Meningococcus Vaccine - Why Do College Students Need It? (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
Clear Answers and Smart Advice About Your Baby's Shots (immunize.org)
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For More Information
Meningococcal Vaccination
Meningococcal: The Disease & Vaccines (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
About Meningococcal Disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)How Vaccines Work
Video: How Do Vaccines Work? (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Spanish version: ¿Cómo funcionan las vacunas? (American Academy of Pediatrics) -
Access Your Immunization Record
If you have been immunized in the State of Michigan, you may be able to download your immunization record from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).
Visit the Michigan Immunization Portal to learn more or contact your healthcare provider.