How is meningococcal infection spread?
The infection is spread from one person to another through a transfer of secretions from the throat or nose during close contact. Kissing, sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, water bottles, cigarettes or sharing of lipstick can spread the disease. The infection is not acquired by simply being in the same room as an infected person or breathing air where an infected person has been. How serious is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is serious and sometimes fatal. Approximately one in ten persons who develop the disease may die. In addition, approximately one in ten persons who recover will experience permanent disabilities such as deafness. Persons who recover my experience brain damage or loss of limbs. How common is meningococcal disease? The number of cases of meningococcal disease goes up and down in irregular cycles, with local and regional outbreaks occurring approximately once every 10 to 15 years. The last peak was seen in 1992 when over 400 cases were reported
