What You Need to Know About Meningococcal Disease

What You Need to Know About Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can lead to life-threatening complications within 24-48 hours if not diagnosed early. Early symptoms can be hard to recognise as they often resemble a flu-like illness. Babies under 2 years of age and adolescents aged 15–19 years are most at risk.

Thankfully, vaccines are available to help prevent meningococcal disease. While no single vaccine protects against all strains, different vaccines protect against different strains. Talk to your doctor at Nillumbik Medical Centre today about accessing the meningococcal vaccine to protect your family.

FACTS ON THIS PAGE

• What You Need to Know About Meningococcal Disease
• What is Meningococcal Disease?
• Meningococcal Disease Vaccine
• What are the Symptoms of Meningococcal?
• How is Meningococcal Spread?
• Who’s at Risk of Contracting Meningococcal?
• How’s Meningococcal Disease Diagnosed?
• How’s Meningococcal Disease Prevented?
• What to Do if You Notice Symptoms in Your Child?
• Get Vaccinated at Nillumbik Medical Centre

What is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease includes infections caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

The disease can result in serious illnesses such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including brain damage and limb loss. Five to ten per cent of patients with meningococcal disease die, even despite rapid treatment.

Meningococcal Disease Vaccine

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent meningococcal disease. Two types of meningococcal vaccines are available in Australia:

• Meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine: protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
• Meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine: protects against certain strains of serogroup B.

It’s important to note that routine childhood vaccines do not cover all strains of meningococcal disease. It’s essential to stay vigilant for symptoms and signs of infection even if your child is vaccinated.

What are the Symptoms of Meningococcal?

Meningococcal symptoms often develop rapidly and worsen within hours. Common meningococcal disease symptoms include:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Rapid breathing
• Cold hands and feet
• Young children may display less specific symptoms, such as a refusal to eat, irritability, a high-pitched cry, and difficulty waking.
• Meningococcal rash (a distinctive purplish-red rash that does not fade when pressed)

The meningococcal rash is a late disease symptom and may not always appear. If you suspect your child has meningococcal disease, seek medical help immediately—do not wait for a rash to appear.

If you or someone in your family shows these symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.

How is Meningococcal Spread?

Understanding how meningococcal is spread is key to prevention. The bacteria is spread through respiratory droplets, via:

• coughing or sneezing
• sharing drinks, food, or utensils (although the disease isn’t spread easily this way)
• close and prolonged contact with a person carrying the bacteria who is usually well, such as kissing or living in close confines.

Although meningococcal disease isn’t as contagious as the flu, it can spread in close quarters, such as households, dormitories, and childcare centres.

Who’s at Risk of Contracting Meningococcal?

Certain groups are at higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease, including:

• infants and young children (aged under 2)
• adolescents and young adults (ages 15-25)
• people with weakened immune systems
• travellers to countries with high rates of meningococcal disease

How’s Meningococcal Disease Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis is crucial. Doctors diagnose meningococcal disease using:

• physical examination
• blood tests
• lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to test cerebrospinal fluid
• skin biopsy if a meningococcal rash is present

Because the disease progresses rapidly, immediate medical attention is essential.

How’s Meningococcal Disease Prevented?

The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is vaccination. The meningococcal vaccine protects against several strains of the bacteria. Our centre offers the vaccine for eligible individuals, including infants, teenagers, and those at high risk.

Other ways to prevent the disease include:

• practising good hygiene, like regular handwashing
• avoiding sharing drinks and utensils
• maintaining a healthy lifestyle

What to Do if You Notice Symptoms in Your Child?

Seek medical help immediately if your child develops meningococcal symptoms. DO NOT wait for a rash to appear — early treatment is vital. Contact Nillumbik Medical Centre for urgent medical advice or visit the nearest hospital emergency department.

Get Vaccinated at Nillumbik Medical Centre

Protect yourself and your loved ones with a meningococcal vaccine. Schedule your appointment today!

For more official information on meningococcal disease, visit Healthdirect Australia or the Australian Government Department of Health.