Meningococcal meningitis: transmission, prevention and key facts

Essentials

Invasive infection that can evolve rapidly; meningococcal infection is transmitted by respiratory secretions in close contact.

Agent: Neisseria meningitidis
Transmission or exposure: Respiratory tract · Close contact

Situation and vulnerability

Close contact with respiratory secretions may require evaluation. Not all occasional contacts are affected in the same way.

Signs and limits of their interpretation

Fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion or vomiting may accompany meningitis. In infants, poor nutrition, unusual sleepiness or difficulty in waking up can be signs. A characteristic eruption may be missing.

Diagnosis and monitoring

Suspicion requires urgent assessment. Samples can identify the agent; they must not delay the management of a suspected bacterial infection. Follow-up of contacts concerns persons identified by the team or competent authority.

Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →

Prevention and care

Vaccination depends on the serogroups and the national schedule. Antibioprophylaxis may be prescribed at identified contacts.

Practical issues

Can we wait for an eruption before calling?

No. Rapid alteration of the general condition, unconsciousness or suspicion of meningitis require urgent help; an eruption may be lacking.

Should we give a preventive antibiotic to an entire facility?

Not automatically. The decision is based on the identification of the contacts concerned and the sanitary instructions, not on a mere presence in the same building.

Preparing for an exchange with a professional

Start time and speed of worsening
Conscience disorders, breathing or behaviour
Known contact with a case and documented vaccinations

Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.

Individual decisionThe choice of a test, treatment or prevention depends on the local situation and recommendations. In case of distress, call 911.