Spotting Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection. It causes serious illnesses including:

* meningitis (an infection of the membranes that cover the brain)
* septicaemia (a serious infection in the blood).

In its early stages meningococcal disease may look like a case of influenza and is difficult to diagnose. It can progress very quickly.

Treatment
Prompt treatment with antibiotics may prevent death or permanent disability such as damage to the brain, deafness or loss of limbs.

How meningococcal disease is spread
Meningococcal disease can easily be passed from one person to another. Around one in five people carry meningococcal bacteria in
their nose and throat without getting sick. The bacteria may be spread through close contact such as:

* living in the same household
* coughing and sneezing
* sharing food and drink
* kissing.

Who is at risk?
Meningococcal disease can affect anyone but those under 20 years of age are at greater risk. Children under the age of five are most at risk.

Don't wait – take action
* ring a doctor or medical centre right away – whether it is night or day
* say what the symptoms are. Show even one spot to your doctor
* insist on immediate action – don’t be put off – a life may be at risk
* if a person has been cleared by a doctor, they should still be watched
* if they get worse go straight back to a doctor
* do not leave them alone.

If you or someone in your household has one or more of these
symptoms ring your doctor or medical centre right away.

This information is provided by the NZ Ministry of Health