Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease can cause infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and/or the bloodstream (septicaemia). These conditions can lead to life-changing complications or be fatal without urgent medical attention.

Cases of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in England

Cases reported to the WHO per country per year

Incubation period

1-10 days

Symptoms

High temperature, Cold hands and feet, Vomiting, Confusion, Headache, Stiff neck, Sensitivity to light

Possible complications

Brain injury, Scarring, Loss of limb, Hearing or sight loss, Death

About meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease can be caused by various types of meningococcal bacterium and can result in meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These are serious illnesses that kill 10 to 15 of 100 people who get them, with a further one in five survivors experiencing some form of permanent disability such as brain injury, scarring, hearing or sight loss or even amputation of part of a limb.

Although meningococcal disease can affect all age groups, it is most common in children under five years of age.

Thankfully, the disease is relatively uncommon in most parts of the world. Although there are at least 13 types (serogroups) of meningococcus, nearly all disease is caused by one of the six groups: A, B, C, W-135, X and Y.

(You can find more information about these six main groups in the FAQs below.)

Meningococcal disease symptoms

Symptoms of meningococcal disease usually appear flu-like at first and worsen rapidly. The most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis and septicaemia, both of which are serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours.

Common symptoms include a high temperature, cold hands and feet, vomiting, confusion, breathing quickly, muscle and joint pain, headache, a stiff neck, light sensitivity, being very sleepy or difficult to wake, and seizures.

Some people also develop pale, mottled or blotchy skin or a rash that doesn’t fade if you firmly roll a glass across it. However, a rash doesn’t always appear so you should never wait for it before seeking urgent medical attention.

Babies with meningococcal disease, meningitis or septicaemia may also refuse feeds, be irritable, have a high-pitched cry, have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive, or have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head.

Possible complications

As we’ve already mentioned, meningococcal disease can become very serious very quickly. It can result in brain damage, sight or hearing loss, loss of a limb, scarring or even death.

It’s important to trust your instincts and react quickly if you suspect someone has meningococcal disease. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.

Meningococcal disease FAQs

Meningococcal disease can be caused by various types of meningococcal bacteria. Although there are at least 13 types (serogroups) of meningococcus, nearly all disease is caused by one of the following six groups:

  • Men A (Serogroup A meningococcus)

Men A is the most common cause of meningococcal disease worldwide and is especially common in the “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa where it causes large epidemics. It is advisable to be protected against Men A before travelling to affected areas.

  • Men B (Serogroup B meningococcus)

Before the introduction of the vaccine, Men B caused the majority of meningococcal diseases in the UK and also much of the developed world including Western Europe, North America and Australasia. Eighty-seven per cent of all meningococcal disease in the UK was caused by the B serogroup.

  • Men C (Serogroup C meningococcus)

Men C is also more common in the developed world where it causes occasional local outbreaks. Men C is seen less in areas where the Men C vaccine has been introduced.

  • Men W-135 (serogroup W-135 meningococcus)

Cases of Men W have been steadily increasing in England and Wales over recent years. Under-fives are most likely to be infected and one in eight who contract the illness will die.

  • Men X (serogroup X meningococcus)

Men X is becoming increasingly common in parts of Africa, mainly due to the reduction of Meningitis A due to widespread vaccination.

  • Men Y (serogroup Y meningococcus)

Men Y had been increasing in prevalence over recent years in the UK to around 80 cases a year. However, cases fell by 30% from 59 cases in 2018 to 2019 to 41 cases in 2019 to 2020.

As well as widespread vaccination, it’s likely that the COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing measures impacted the detection and spread of meningococcal disease, contributing to an overall downturn across all strains.

Outbreaks of meningococcal disease are rare but the highest incidence is in children under the age of five, then in adolescents and young adults. Outbreaks can also occur where people group together, such as on university campuses and army barracks. There are some parts of the world – for example, the so-called “meningitis belt” in Africa – where meningococcal is more prevalent.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, major meningococcal epidemics occur in sub-Saharan Africa every five to 12 years, affecting approximately 1,000 out of every 100,000 people. In other parts of the world, annual rates of meningococcal disease sit around 0.3 to three cases per 100,000 population.

CLICK ON THE LINKS TO FIND OUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MENINGITIS B AND MENINGITIS C VACCINATION  (INCLUDING PROTECTION FOR OTHER STRAINS)

Meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose because it shares symptoms with other illnesses and progresses rapidly. If a GP suspects meningococcal disease, they will refer the patient urgently to A&E where blood samples or cerebrospinal fluid (via a lumbar puncture in the spine) could be collected and sent to a laboratory for testing.

If you are concerned that your child might have meningitis or septicaemia, you should call an ambulance or take them to A&E immediately without trying to book an appointment with a GP.

If meningococcal disease is suspected, the patient will be given antibiotics as soon as possible. Depending on how poorly the person with meningococcal disease is, they may also need breathing support, surgery to remove dead tissue, wound care for parts of the body with damaged skin, or medication to treat low blood pressure.

As we’ve said above, it is vital to seek emergency medical attention for meningococcal disease as soon as possible.

Individual advice about protecting your child against meningococcal disease

Need advice about vaccinating your child against meningococcal disease? The BabyJabs clinicians are here to listen and answer your questions to help you decide.