Does Meningococcal Cause Meningitis?

Symptoms of meningococcal disease can first appear as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen. The two most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis and septicemia. Both of these types of infections are very serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours.

Is meningococcal the same as meningitis?

While meningococcal disease and meningitis are related, they are not the same thing. Meningitis refers to an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

How do you get meningococcal meningitis?

People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.