Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria (germs) called meningococci, also known as Neisseria meningitidis. Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it is a very serious disease. The infection can develop quickly and can cause serious illness or death. Children under five years of age and young adults aged 15 to 24 years are most at risk. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.
Meningococci bacteria commonly cause:
Meningitis – infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
Septicaemia – infection in the bloodstream.
Both these infections are medical emergencies. If you think a person has symptoms that suggest meningitis or septicaemia, contact your doctor immediately, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Most common in winter and spring
Meningococcal disease can occur all year round and in all age groups. However, it is more common during winter and early spring. In Victoria, the highest risk is in children under five years of age and young adults aged 15 to 24 years. About one-third of cases are in people 25 years of age or older.
Signs and symptoms – infants and young children
Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease in infants and young children can include:
Meningococci bacteria commonly cause:
Meningitis – infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
Septicaemia – infection in the bloodstream.
Both these infections are medical emergencies. If you think a person has symptoms that suggest meningitis or septicaemia, contact your doctor immediately, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Most common in winter and spring
Meningococcal disease can occur all year round and in all age groups. However, it is more common during winter and early spring. In Victoria, the highest risk is in children under five years of age and young adults aged 15 to 24 years. About one-third of cases are in people 25 years of age or older.
Signs and symptoms – infants and young children
Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease in infants and young children can include:
- Fever
- Refusing to take feeds
- Irritability, fretfulness
- Grunting or moaning
- Extreme tiredness or floppiness
- Dislike of being handled
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Turning away from light (photophobia)
- Drowsiness
- Convulsions or twitching
- Rash of red–purple pinprick spots or larger bruises.
Signs and symptoms – older children and adults
The signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease in older children and adults can include:
The signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease in older children and adults can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Neck stiffness
- Discomfort when looking at bright lights (photophobia)
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Aching or sore muscles
- Painful or swollen joints
- Difficulty walking
- General malaise
- Moaning, unintelligible speech
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Collapse
- Rash of red–purple pinprick spots or larger bruises.
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