Physicians Health

Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infectious disease that is caused by a species of bacteria known as Neisseria meningitides. This bacterium is also referred to as meningococcus. It is one of the most common infectious diseases and has been known to occur globally. According to healthcare professionals this disease may be transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual or through the airborne route.

Meningococcal meningitis (inflammation of the membrane covering the membrane covering your brain and spinal cord) is can occur in almost any age group but it is more common in children. Meningococcal meningitis is one of the most common infectious diseases that may lead to fatal complications in children. Neisseria meningitides is also one of the leading causes of adult meningitis among infectious diseases.

According to healthcare professionals certain populations are at increased risk for developing meningitis. These populations include; people with suppressed immune systems (eg. HIV patients), people living in community settings (e.g. College Students), and young children. People who have a recent history of a respiratory tract infection are also at increased risk of developing meningococcal meningitis.

Vaccines have been developed for meningococcal meningitis. These vaccines have been proven effective in preventing epidemics of meningococcal meningitis. Healthcare professionals recommend all persons deemed to be a part of at risk populations be vaccinated. The vaccine may prevent a disease that can have fatal complication or prevent the development of serious neurological problems ( e.g. hearing loss, blindness, brain damage, loss of speech).

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