Meningococcal disease

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The disease occurs worldwide and can lead to serious illness.

How is meningococcal disease transmitted?

Meningococcal disease is primarily transmitted through direct deposition of infectious respiratory particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces such as when a person touches these contaminated surfaces and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.

The incubation period is typically 3 to 4 days, ranging from 2 to 10 days.

What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal infection most commonly presents as meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord), with symptoms such as:

• High fever

• Headache

• Neck stiffness

• Photophobia (abnormal sensitivity to light)

• Phonophobia (abnormal sensitivity to sound)

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Fatigue

In severe infections where the bacteria have invaded the bloodstream, additional symptoms may include:

• Tiny red or purple rash on the body

• Bruising around the abdomen

• Low blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or heart palpitations

Severe meningococcal infections can develop either as a progression from an untreated initial infection or as a first manifestation of meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal infection can lead to long-term complications, including brain damage, loss of hearing, loss of limb(s), and nerve damage.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

• Persons who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated against meningococcal disease.

• Children below 1 year of age, teenagers and young adults aged 16-23 years old and persons aged 65 years or above.

• Persons who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated against meningococcal disease.

• Persons who have had their spleen removed or have a non-functional spleen. Travel to areas with reported cases or transmission of meningococcal disease (e.g. to the meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa).

• Participants of mass gatherings (e.g. Haj and Umrah pilgrims).

• Persons living in congregated settings (e.g. dormitories).

How is meningococcal disease treated?

Patients are given antibiotics to treat the infection. Other treatments would include those that manage and relieve the symptoms of the disease.

How to prevent meningococcal disease?

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure for meningococcal disease. For more information on the meningococcal disease vaccine recommendations please refer to the HealthHub website.

Meningococcal vaccination is a mandatory requirement for travellers to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimages. Travellers to Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrimages are also recommended to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease for protection.

Other preventive measures:

• Practise good personal hygiene at all times.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap, especially before handling food or eating, after going to the toilet, or when hands are dirty from coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid touching your face, including eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid sharing of food/drinks or eating utensils.

• Wear a mask and seeking medical attention promptly when unwell.

Please refer to Health advice for travellers for additional precautions to take when travelling.