Meningococcal meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection of the meninges around the brain and spinal cord, caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It is the commonest bacterial cause of meningitis among children and teenagers and can spark outbreaks in crowded settings. Many people carry the organism harmlessly in the throat, and it spreads through saliva during close contact. Risk is higher in infants, young people, older adults, household contacts and people with spleen problems or complement deficiency. Onset is rapid, with fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion and a purple or pinpoint rash. The infection can be deadly in hours and may leave brain damage, hearing loss or seizures. Diagnosis rests on lumbar puncture and spinal fluid testing, supported by blood cultures. Antibiotics begin as early as possible, penicillin being an option for susceptible strains, sometimes alongside corticosteroids; close contacts receive preventive antibiotics, and vaccines protect against key serogroups.

Seek emergency care for a first seizure, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, a sudden severe headache, new weakness or confusion, or thoughts of harming yourself. See a doctor for headaches that are more frequent or changing, memory problems that affect daily life, or low mood lasting more than two weeks. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.