YourHealth
Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease can cause two very serious illnesses. Find out what the signs are. Read more
Meningococcal
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, known as a meningococcus.
It causes severe illnesses including:
- meningitis (an infection of membranes that cover the brain)
- septicaemia (blood poisoning).
This section has information about the symptoms and illness, immunisation, case numbers, information for health professionals, and answers to commonly asked questions,
Symptoms and illness
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness, causing meningitis (an infection of the brain membranes) or septicaemia (blood poisoning). Symptoms may include a high fever, headache, sleepiness, a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, joint and muscle pains, and vomiting or (in infants) refusal of feeds. A rash occurs in about two-thirds of people with meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal disease is most common in children under the age of five years, although it can occur at any age.
Meningococcal disease is serious and can sometimes cause death or permanent disability such as deafness or disfigurement.
People need to be alert to the symptoms because meningococcal disease can develop very quickly. It can be treated with antibiotics but early treatment is very important.
If you notice any of the symptoms of meningococcal disease or have any other concerns, contact your doctor without delay, or call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 at any hour of the day or night, even if you have already been seen by a health professional.
Parents and caregivers can also find more information on meningococcal disease in the YourHealth section.
Bacteria
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. There are several different groups of meningococcal bacteria including groups A, B, C, Y and W135. These groups of bacteria can be further divided into specific strains.
Most cases in New Zealand are caused by group B (57% of confirmed cases in 2010). The next most common is group C (27% of confirmed cases in 2010). There have previously been limited outbreaks of meningococcal disease due to group A. Cases of meningococcal disease caused by groups W135 and Y are rare in New Zealand.
Up to 15 percent of people carry the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease in their nose and throat without being sick. In some people, for reasons we don’t fully understand, this bacteria sometimes go on to cause disease, spreading through the bloodstream (causing blood poisoning) or to the brain (causing meningitis).
Meningococcal disease mainly affects young children, but is also common in older children and young adults. There are some factors that may put people at higher risk of developing meningococcal disease, for example living in overcrowded housing.
The MeNZB™ vaccine previously used in New Zealand was developed to protect against a particular strain of meningococcal B disease in New Zealand. The MeNZB™ vaccine only protected against this specific B strain, and did not protect against meningococcal A, C, Y or W135 or other strains of B.
How is it spread?
Meningococcal bacteria are spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or throat secretions, for example by coughing, sneezing or sharing drinking vessels. Basic steps like covering your nose or mouth when you sneeze or cough, and washing and drying your hands can help reduce the chance of spreading the bacteria.
Immunisation
The immunisation pages in the Yourhealth section contain specific information about meningococcal vaccines and who they are recommended for.
There are two main types of meningococcal vaccines available in New Zealand. Polysaccharide vaccine covering groups A, C, W135 and Y (available for use over the age of two), and conjugate vaccine against group C alone (can be used under the age of two).
These vaccines are not part of the National Immunisation Schedule. Apart from some people at high risk (eg without spleens), meningococcal vaccines are not publicly funded, but are available for private purchase through general practices if people want them.
Note that there are currently no available vaccines for meningococcal B in New Zealand (the MeNZB™ vaccine previously used in New Zealand was specifically developed to curb the meningococcal B epidemic).
For more advice on meningococcal vaccines and their availability, talk to your family doctor, call the Immunisation Advisory Centre free helpline 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863), or see the Immunisation Handbook 2011.
Case numbers
There are about 100 cases (confirmed plus probable) of meningococcal disease notified in New Zealand each year. In temperate climates such as New Zealand, a peak is seen around winter or spring. Between 2006 and 2010, there were between 5 and 8 deaths per year from meningococcal disease.
Following the 2004–05 meningococcal immunisation programme, the total number of confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease in New Zealand fell from a high of 489 in 2001 to 93 in 2007.
Case number graphs
Notified meningococcal disease cases (laboratory confirmed plus probable) by month, 2006 – 2011
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Notified laboratory-confirmed meningococcal disease cases by group, 2006-2011
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Information for health professionals
Detailed information for health professionals can be found in the Immunisation Handbook 2011 and the Communicable Disease Control Manual. Also see related information below for links to the Centers for Disease Control (US) and the Health Protection Agency (UK) websites.
Parenteral antibiotics should be administered to all cases as soon as meningococcal disease is suspected.
Attending medical practitioners and laboratories must immediately notify a medical officer of health of any suspected cases of meningococcal disease. Notification should not await confirmation. Public health services will follow-up cases and people who have been in close contact with the case.
Questions and answers
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Vaccination against meningococcal disease
Some people are at higher risk of meningococcal disease. Find out about getting the vaccine. Read more
Page last updated: 23 September 2011
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