MENINGOCOCCAL

What is it

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a bacterial infection that can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and septicemia body.1 Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by a meningococcal infection.¹ People may be carriers of the bacteria without knowing it; however, the bacteria pose a serious health risk when it becomes invasive or is passed onto children and others who are not immunized.¹

Who is at risk

Many healthy individuals may carry the bacterium in their throat or nose and can pass it to others, without getting sick.²

Invasive meningococcal disease can cause death in up to 10% of infected people.² Those who are at the highest risk of invasive meningococcal disease include:²

Children under 5 years old
People living in crowded living quarters
Adolescents 15 to 18 years old
Travellers to areas where the disease is common, including the sub-Saharan African meningitis belt
Individuals with specific genetic risk factors
Individuals experiencing a concurrent respiratory tract infection (such as influenza)
Smokers
Individuals with HIV infection

What are the symptoms

Symptoms typically develop 3 to 4 days after exposure to the bacterium and may take up to 10 days to appear. They include:³

Sudden fever
Drowsiness
Irritability or fussiness
Intense headache
Vomiting
Stiff neck
A skin rash that begins as reddish/purplish spots that don’t disappear when pressed and spreads rapidly

How is it spread

Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitides when it invades the blood or meninges.¹ When the bacteria invade the body it can cause serious illnesses including:¹

Meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
Septicemia, a dangerous blood infection

Different types of invasive meningococcal disease are found in different places.¹ The most common strain in Israel is B, and the other varieties, A, C, Y and W135, are rare in Israel.²

Invasive meningococcal disease is spread through close, direct contact such as:¹

Living in crowded quarters
Coughing, sneezing, or kissing
Sharing of food or drinks
Sharing of toothbrushes, mouthguards, cigarettes or lipstick
Sharing of mouthed toys, or musical instruments with a mouthpiece

How is it prevented

In Israel there is a vaccine against strains A, C, Y and W135 and another vaccine against meningococcal strain B , and it is recommended for travelers abroad and certain risk groups to be vaccinated against it.²

How is it treated

Invasive meningococcal disease is a medical emergency and requires immediate professional attention. Invasive meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics for 3 to 7 days.6 Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have been exposed to invasive meningococcal disease through:¹