Meningococcal Di Factsheet NEW. | Department STATE | of Health Meningococcal Disease What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called Neissera meningitis. can lead to serious blood infections. When the linings ofthe brain and spinal cord become inflamed, its called mening The disease strikes quickly and can have serious complications including death [Anyone can get meningococcal disease. Some people are at higher risk. This cisease occurs more often in people who are: «Teenagers oryoung adults + Infants younger than one year ofage + ving in croded settings, sch as college dormitories or mitarybaracks + Traveling to areas outside ofthe United Sates, uch asthe" meningis belt in Aca + Living wth damagedspleenorno spleen + Being weated wih Sori ox who have complement component defen (an inherited immune dsorde) + spoted during an outbreak + Werking with meningococcal bacterin aboratory What are the symptoms? ‘symptoms appear suddenly — usualy 3 to 4 days ater a person is infected. It can take up to 10 days to develop symptoms. Symptoms may include: + sudden high fever + Headache + Stif neck meningitis) + Nausea and vomiting + Red-purple skin rash + Weakness and felig very i + Eyes sense tight How is meningococcal disease spread? It spreads from person-to-person by coughing or coming into close or lengthy contact with someone who Is sick or who catrles the bacteria. Contact includes kissing, sharing drinks, or living together. Up to one in 10 people carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick. Is there treatment? Early diagnosis of meningococcal disease is very important. Ifit is caught early, meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics, But, sometimes the infection has caused too much damage for antibiotics to prevent death or serious long-term problems. Most people need to be cared for in a hospital due to serious, life-threatening infections. What are the complications? Ten to 15 percent of those who get meningococcal disease die. Among survivors, as many as one in five will have permanent disabilities. Complications include: + Hearing oss + Brain damage + Kidney damage + Limb amputationsWhat should I do if | or someone | love is exposed? you are in close contact with a person with meningococcal disease, talk with your health care provider about the risk to ‘you and your femily. They can prescribe an antibiotic to prevent the disease. What is the best way to prevent meningococcal disease? The single best way to prevent this disease fs to be vaccinated. Vaccines are avaliable for people 6 weeks of age and older. Vorious vaccines efer protection against the five major strains of bacteria tht couse meningococcal disease: + Alteenagers sould receive two doses of vaccine against strains AC, Wand¥. The fist dos isgiven at 1 to 12 years of ge, and the seca dose booster at age 1. Is very Important that teens eelve the booster dose at age 16in det protect them through he years wen they aretgeates ik ‘of meningococal deste. “Tako yourhealth are provider ode your teen has not eceived wo dots of vaccine aginst meningococcal stains AW andY. + Teens and young adults can also be vaccinated aginst the"B" strain Takto yourhealth ae provider about whether they recommend vein again the"Bstrain Others who should recelve the vaccine ince: + Infants children and adults with certain meal conltions + People exposed during an outbreak + Travelers othe "mening belo sub Saharan Aca + itary recruits Please speak with your heath care provider fyou may be at increased risk. What are the meningococcal vaccine requirements for school attendance? As of September 1, 2016, children entering grades 7 and 12 must be immunized against meningococcal disease strains A, C, Wand ¥ according to the recommendations listed above. Is there an increased risk for meningococcal disease if | travel? + Meningococcal disease and outbreaks occurin the United States and around the world. The disease is more common inthe “meningitis belt” ‘of sub-Saharan Africa.The isk s highest In people who vst these countries and whe have prolonged contact with local populations during ‘anepidemic. + Toreduce your sk ofilness, wash your hands often, maintain healthy habits such as geting plenty of rest and try notte come into contact with people who are sick. Travel and meningococcal disease: wwwne.cde.govitravel/diseases/meningococcal-disease Learn more about meningococcal disease: www.ede-govimeningococcal/ For more information about vaccine-preventable diseases: www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization! Bureau of Immunization 2168 New York State Department of Health we