Most cases of meningococcal meningitis occur in children, from infancy to adolescence. Meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and the second most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults.

The onset of the disease may be rapid and may start with an upper respiratory infection or sore throat. The infection occurs more often in winter or spring and may cause local epidemics at boarding schools, college dormitories, or military bases.

Risk factors include recent exposure to meningococcal meningitis and recent upper respiratory infection.

• Rash, pinpoint red spots (petechiae)
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Severe malaise (feeling very unwell)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Mental status changes

Physical examination will reveal low blood pressure, fast heart rate, stiff neck, and a possible rash.

Other tests include the following:

• Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count (in blood)
• Spinal tap for spinal fluid (CSF) showing increase white blood cells, low glucose, high protein
• Special stains of spinal fluid sometimes showing meningococcus
• CSF culture growing meningococci
• Blood culture growing meningococci
• CT scan of the brain is usually normal

Early recognition and treatment of anyone exposed to meningococcus is extremely important to prevent serious illness or death.

Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone are prescribed and given intravenously for this disease. Other medicines may be used to treat the complications arising from the increased spinal fluid pressure.

Sometimes steroid medication is used, more often in children than adults.

• Brain damage
• Shock
• Increased spinal fluid pressure
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
• Hydrocephalus (blockage of spinal fluid in brain)
• Deafness
• Paralysis of various muscles
• Mental retardation

It is recommended that all family and close contacts (especially in health care or school settings) of people with this type of meningitis begin antibiotic treatment as soon as possible to prevent spread of the infection. Ask your health care provider about this during the initial diagnostic visit.

Close contacts in the same household, school, or day care center should be watched for early signs of the disease as soon as the initial case is diagnosed. Preventive measures such as washing your hands before and after changing a diaper or using the bathroom and other good hygiene habits should always be implemented.

Vaccines are effective for the control of epidemics and are currently recommended for college students and military recruits, as well as travelers to certain parts of the world.