The consortium also monitors the emergence of disease and epidemics due to other serogroups. Learn more about MenAfriNet external icon. Epidemics of meningococcal meningitis in Africa can affect hundreds of thousands of people and kill many thousands. CDC contributed to development of an inexpensive vaccine. CDC is now working with partners to ensure it is used where needed most and evaluated for effectivene… more.
Top of Page. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Meningococcal Disease. Teenagers and young adults are at increased risk of meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal bacteria can live harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat of people of all ages, but teenagers and young adults are much more likely to harbour these bacteria than other age groups, which increases their risk of disease.
Teenagers in the UK are routinely immunised against four types of meningococcal bacteria. Symptoms in teens and young adults. Some countries recommend immunisations to protect his age group. For example, over 65s in the UK are routinely offered free [pneumococcal vaccination[CW3]]. Other countries such as the US also recommend a pneumococcal vaccine for this age group. Where you live in the world influences your risk of getting meningitis. Additionally, environmental factors such as smoke exposure can increase risk.
Travel abroad may increase your risk of encountering meningitis causing bacteria. An up-to-date list of countries with potential risk can be obtained from www. The risk of catching meningitis is the highest in the world in an area of Sub-Saharan Africa known as the meningitis belt. This area stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia and is prone to large outbreaks of disease known as epidemics as a result of warm and dusty winter winds which can damage mucous membranes in the lungs and throat, making it easier for meningitis causing bacteria to invade the body.
Large epidemics of meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal bacteria disease have been linked to the Hajj pilgrimage. Meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal bacteria or Hib bacteria are considered infectious, although the vast majority of cases are isolated. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine and the meningococcal B vaccine are also available for purchase with a prescription for those persons not eligible for the National Immunisation Program vaccines.
Meningococal vaccination is recommended for people who are at high risk of contracting these bacterial strains see below or anyone wishing to protect themselves from meningococcal disease. Meningococcal bacteria live naturally in the back of the nose and throat in about 10 per cent of the population without causing illness. These people are known as 'carriers'. These people can pass the disease on to someone else.
In a small number of people, a particular strain of the bacteria gets through the lining of the throat, enters the bloodstream and causes meningococcal disease. The infection can develop very quickly. If infection is diagnosed early enough and the right antibiotics are given quickly, most people make a complete recovery. Even with antibiotic treatment, invasive meningococcal disease causes death in about five to 10 per cent of cases.
Most cases occur suddenly and are unrelated to any other cases. Outbreaks where more than one person is affected are rare.
Although everyone is a carrier at some time, carriers are most common among young adults and people who smoke. Meningococcal bacteria are difficult to spread. They are only passed from person to person by close, prolonged household contact living in the same house or intimate contact with infected secretions from the back of the nose and throat such as deep kissing. Research shows that low levels of salivary contact are unlikely to transmit meningococcal bacteria.
In fact, saliva has been shown to slow the growth of the bacteria. Meningococcal bacteria are only found in humans and cannot live for more than a few seconds outside the body. You cannot catch meningococcal disease from the environment or animals. Meningococcal disease can occur all year round, but it is more common during winter and early spring.
Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it is a very serious disease that can occur in all age groups. In Victoria, the highest risk groups are:. Speak to your doctor about which vaccine you should have and how long protection will last if you are in one of these high-risk groups.
The most common strain of meningococcal bacterium causing disease in a population changes over time. There are different strains serogroups of meningococcal bacteria known by letters of the alphabet, including A,B,C,W and Y. In recent years some of these strains have increased across Australia. Different strains of bacteria have been found to cause meningococcal disease in different countries.
Meningococcal disease septicaemia or meningitis causes a range of symptoms. These outbreaks occur particularly during the dry season and are most commonly caused by serogroup A. Following several large outbreaks associated with pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia all those travelling for the Hajj or Umrah are currently required to show proof of vaccination with quadrivalent vaccine protecting against the A,C,W and Y serogroups in order to obtain a visa.
Invasive meningococcal disease usually presents as meningitis or septicaemia. Symptoms of meningitis include: sudden onset of fever, intense headache, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms of septicaemia include: fever, chills, confusion and a rash. Both conditions may progress rapidly and are serious diseases with high risk of complications and fatality. Individuals should seek advice about their risk of meningitis prior to travel. Meningococcal disease in travellers is primarily a risk for those visiting areas prone to outbreaks or an area where a known outbreak is occurring.
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