Meningococcal infections can cause meningitis (infection around the brain and spinal cord), septicaemia (infection of the blood), joint infections, eye infections, pneumonia and rashes.

There are several different types of meningococcal bacteria. In Australia, type C causes most of the severe illness in young people (about 75%) while type B causes most of the illness in young children (type C only causes about 35% in young children).

Spread of the disease is by close contact with mucous membranes (lining of the nose and mouth), or from droplets from the nose or throat of infected people. It can be caught through kissing, prolonged face-to-face contact, or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

More about meningitis and meningococcal disease

• facts about meningococcal disease
• Guidelines for the early clinical and public health management of meningococcal disease in Australia
• infections - bacterial and viral
• lumbar puncture
• meningitis
• meningitis and meningococcal infections
• meningitis and my child - Beth Egan's experience
• meningitis in children
• meningitis - signs and symptoms
• meningitis - types
• meningococcal disease
• meningococcal disease
• meningococcal disease - information for travellers

Prevention