Meningococcal meningitis: other at-risk groups
Meningococcal meningitis is most common in infants and teenagers, and it also targets people of any age with weak immune systems. Plus, it seems to favor crowded conditions.
Other risk groups include:
People in crowded situations
When people are living or traveling in close contact, it’s easier for the disease to spread. For example, in 2000 and 2001 hundreds of people who attended the hajj—a religious pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia—came down with meningococcal disease.
Military personnel
Recruits in basic training and other people in the military have an increased risk of getting meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infection. This is probably because they live in close quarters, so it’s easier for the bacteria to spread.
People who do not have a working spleen
Referred to as “asplenia,” this condition increases the risk of meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infection.
People who have an immune disorder
People with an immune disorder (such as complement deficiency or AIDS) are at increased risk for this disease. That’s because their immune systems are weak.
People in specific situations
Those who are often exposed to tobacco smoke, who have breathing problems, or who binge drink are at increased risk, as are military recruits and laboratory workers who come in contact with Neisseria meningitidis.
