11/13/26 Public Health Education Topic: Meningococcal Disease
Per CDC
Key points
Meningococcal disease is serious and can be deadly in hours.
Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are important.
People spread meningococcal bacteria through close or lengthy contact with other people.
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but certain people are at increased risk.
Learn how vaccines offer the best protection against meningococcal disease.
Symptoms
Please read: Meningococcal Disease Symptoms and Complications
Spread to others
People spread meningococcal bacteria to others by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit).
Generally, it takes close or lengthy contact to spread the bacteria.
Example of close contact: Kissing
Example of lengthy contact: Living together
They aren't as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.
Prevention
Vaccination
The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is to get vaccinated. CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for
All preteens and teens
Children and adults at increased risk for meningococcal disease
Talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease
Antibiotics
Close contacts of someone with meningococcal disease should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick. A healthcare provider or health department generally decides who should get preventive antibiotics.
Re-infection
Although rare, people can get meningococcal disease more than once. People who get meningococcal disease twice should get tested to see if they have an underlying immune deficiency (weakened immune system).
To learn more please visit: About Meningococcal Disease | Meningococcal | CDC
