SHS Meningitis Fact Sheet - Hofstra University

Meningococcal Disease What is Meningococcal Disease? Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to serious blood infections. When the linings of the brain and spinal cord become infected, it is called meningitis. The disease strikes quickly and can have serious complications, including death. Anyone can get meningococcal disease. There are populations who are at higher risk including: • Teenagers or young adults. • Infants younger than one year of age. • Individuals living in crowded settings, such as college dormitories or military barracks. • Individuals traveling to areas outside of the United States, such as the “meningitis belt” in Africa. • Individuals living with a damaged spleen or no spleen or have sickle cell disease. • Individuals being treated with the medication Soliris® or those who have complement component deficiency (an inherited immune disorder). • Individuals who have been exposed during an outbreak. • Individuals working with meningococcal bacteria in a laboratory. What are the Symptoms? Symptoms appear suddenly – usually 3 to 4 days after a person is infected. It can take up to 10 days to develop symptoms. Symptoms may include: • A sudden high fever • Headache • Stiff neck (meningitis) • Nausea and vomiting • Red-purple skin rash • Weakness and feeling ill • Eyes sensitive to light How is Meningococcal Disease Spread? Meningococcal disease spreads from person-to-person by coughing or coming into close or lengthy contact with someone who is sick or who carries the bacteria. Contact includes kissing, sharing drinks, and living together. Up to 1 in 10 people carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick. Is There Treatment? Early diagnosis of meningococcal disease is very important. If it is caught early, meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes the infection has caused too much damage for antibiotics to prevent death or serious long-term problems. Most people need to be cared for in a hospital due to serious, life-threatening infections. Hofstra University Student Health Services 250 Wellness and Campus Living Center Hempstead, NY 11549 SHS@hofstra.edu | 516-463-6745