Both meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infection may result from infection with one type of bacteria: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacteria may cause serious illness. That's why it's important to start learning about protecting yourself with the right information.

Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.

The bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis can spread from person to person. And it starts with "carriers"—people who carry the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria in their nose or throat. However, many of these carriers don't become sick, so they can unknowingly spread the infection. This can happen by the exchange of respiratory droplets (saliva and mucus) from coughing and sneezing and through other ordinary daily contact.

The bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis can easily be transferred from a carrier to other people. When carriers cough, sneeze, or touch their mouth or nose, they can get bacteria on their hands or on items that other people may touch. That's why it makes sense to wash your hands often and avoid sharing objects like glasses, utensils, and water bottles. However, your best protection from this disease can be through vaccination.

Vaccination can help provide reliable protection—here are some important facts:

• The highest risk of disease occurs in infants younger than 2 years old
  
  
• Teens and college students are also at higher risk than other age groups
  
  
• Even with prompt treatment, 10% to 14% of people infected with the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria die
  
  
• 11% to 19% of survivors suffer serious consequences such as hearing loss and brain damage
  
  
• The highest rate of meningococcal meningitis occurs in a region across sub-Saharan Africa known as the “meningitis belt” —1996 was Africa’s largest recorded outbreak—with over 250,000 cases and 25,000 deaths reported

The Neisseria meningitidis bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis can also cause bloodstream infection (also known as septicemia or sepsis). These bacteria invade the bloodstream, multiply rapidly, and overwhelm the body's natural defenses. And that can happen quickly—within 24 hours. Bloodstream infection is life-threatening and may result in other permanent consequences.

It is not known which cases of meningococcal meningitis will be accompanied by bloodstream infection. But, according to one study in the United Kingdom, 22% of meningococcal disease cases were meningitis alone and 12% of meningococcal disease cases had features of both meningitis and bloodstream infection. (This was out of 448 cases.)

Long-term consequences from bloodstream infection can include:

• Adrenal hemorrhage (bleeding into the adrenal glands, small organs on top of the kidneys that make certain hormones)
  
  
• Limb loss
  
  
• Scarring/skin damage
  
  
• Kidney damage

The earliest sign of bloodstream infection is often a fever in children younger than 5 years. Headache is often an early sign in those older than 5 years. Other symptoms can include irritability, loss of appetite, shaking, chills, weakness, leg pain, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. These early symptoms are often similar to the early symptoms of meningococcal meningitis.

As with any serious medical condition, speak with your health care provider for a diagnosis and recommended course of treatment.