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What is meningococcal disease?
How common is it?
How is it spread?
What are the symptoms?
What action should you take?
What is the treatment?
What about contacts?
Is there a vaccine?
Further information?
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Meningococcal disease results from an infection with a bacterium known as the meningococcus.
At any one time, approximately 10% of healthy people carry these bacteria harmlessly in their nose or throat, and do not become ill.
There are 13 serogroups (different types) of meningococcal bacteria. In WA, around 90% of all cases are caused by serogroup B organisms. Rarely, the meningococcus causes serious invasive infections, including septicaemia (infection of the blood), meningitis (infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) and other illnesses.
On average there are between 20 and 30 cases of meningococcal disease in WA each year, mainly in winter and spring. This disease can occur at any age but is most common in children aged less than 5 years and in teenagers and young adults between 15 to 24 years. Nearly all cases of meningococcal disease are “sporadic” and have no association with other cases. Rarely, there may be a linked case, most commonly in a close contact, such as a household member.
Meningococcal bacteria are not easily spread, but are present in droplets discharged from the nose and throat when coughing or sneezing. It is not spread by saliva. The meningococcus does not survive more than a few seconds in the environment, so it cannot be picked up from surfaces or objects (e.g. a drink bottle). If spread occurs it is most likely to be to very close contacts, such as people who live in the same household. Most people will harmlessly carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throat for periods of weeks to months at different times during their life. If a carrier passes the bacterium to another person who develops meningococcal disease, this will usually occur within 10 days.
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Symptoms in infants include:
- Fever
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Vomiting or difficulty feeding
- Irritability
- Lethargy or difficult to wake
- Unusual crying or moaning
- Rash of red spots or bruises (does not always occur)
Symptoms in older children and adults include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Muscle or joint pains
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Rash of red spots or bruises (does not always occur)
It is important that people with symptoms of meningococcal disease seek medical advice early. The disease is serious and life threatening, but most people recover completely with early antibiotic treatment.
Diagnosis can be difficult at the start of meningococcal illness. If the person is sent home by the doctor or hospital, it is important to return promptly for further assessment if symptoms get worse or do not improve.
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Antibiotic treatment in hospital is essential for anyone with meningococcal disease. The earlier treatment is started the greater the likelihood of a full recovery.
Very close contacts are those who have had prolonged close contact (e.g. household members, sexual contacts, those in the same childcare group) with the person who has the disease within the 7 days before the onset of symptoms.
Very close contacts are followed up by Department of Health staff and offered an antibiotic to clear meningococcal bacteria from the nose and throat, should they be a carrier. The antibiotics will NOT prevent the disease occurring if the person is already incubating the infection.
Low risk social contacts (e.g. school friends and work associates) are usually provided with information about the signs and symptoms of illness, but antibiotics are not necessary.
All contacts of a case should observe carefully for signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease for around two weeks after their last contact with the infected person (before treatment commenced), and should seek medical advice if concerned.
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Yes, vaccines are available against some of the serogroups of the meningococcus. A vaccine is not available against serogroup B meningococcus, which causes most cases of disease in WA. A vaccine against serogroup C meningococcal disease is provided free to all children at 1 year of age. Only one dose is required for long-term protection in people 12 months of age or older.
A different type of meningococcal vaccine that protects against serogroups A, C, W and Y, is recommended for people who travel to high risk areas (e.g. sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Nepal). These vaccines require a booster dose every 3 years. People considering vaccination should seek advice from their local doctor or a travel doctor.
For urgent health advice, contact healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222 (24 hours).
For advice about case and contact management, call your regional Public Health Unit (see below).
Kimberley: 9194 1630
Great Southern: 9842 7500
Midwest: 9956 1985
Pilbara: 9158 9222
Southwest: 9781 2350
Wheatbelt: 9622 4320
Goldfields: 9080 8200
North Metro: 9380 7700
South Metro: 9431 0200
Support and information for people with meningococcal disease and their families is available from:
The Amanda Young Foundation: 0433 309 425 or 9227 4237
The Meningitis Centre: 1800 250 223
Internet
WA Department of Health
Australian Department of Health and Ageing
The Amanda Young Foundation
The Meningitis Centre
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Document
Meningococcal disease fact sheet (PDF 68KB)
