Per CDC:
Meningococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.
Key points
Meningococcal disease is serious and can be deadly in hours.
Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are important.
People spread meningococcal bacteria through close or lengthy contact with other people.
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but certain people are at increased risk.
Vaccines offer the best protection against meningococcal disease.
Types
The two most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis and bloodstream infections. With meningococcal meningitis, the bacteria infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord and cause swelling. With a meningococcal bloodstream infection, the bacteria enter the blood and damage the walls of the blood vessels. This causes bleeding in the skin and organs.
To learn more visit: About Meningococcal Disease | Meningococcal | CDC
