Smileband health topics

Meningococcal invasive disease is caused by an infection with Neisseria meningitidis. There are five serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y) that generally cause disease in humans. Serogroup B, C, and Y tend to cause the most disease in the United States. The infection can have severe symptoms with meningitis as the most common manifestation. Communicability of the bacteria is generally limited and requires close contact with an infected individual.

 

Meningococcal meningitis symptoms most commonly include:

• sudden onset of fever
• headache
• stiff neck

The number of those with Meningococcal invasive disease in Arizona has remained low with 5 cases seen in 2015.

Arizona 5 year median: 6  cases

 

Transmission

Transmission occurs through direct contact with respiratory secretions.

The incubation period can range from 1 to 10 days.             Isolation Precautions

Isolate and institute droplet precautions for a meningococcal invasive disease case for 24 hours after the initiation of treatment. 

An individual will be contagious as long as the bacteria is present in the nose, mouth, and throat secretions. 

Prevention for Patients
Vaccination against Meningococcal (ACWY) is the best prevention method for individuals. Immunity is believed to last approximately 5 years after a single dose.

Meningococcal B vaccine is available and recommended for high-risk groups.