What is meningococcal meningitis and what are the symptoms?
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection of the lining of the brain. The bacteria often colonize the nose and throat of healthy people in a harmless (carrier) state – approximately 10% of the general population may carry meningococcal bacteria in the nose and throat in this carrier state. This carrier state may last for days or months before disappearing spontaneously. However, on occasion, the bacteria become invasive, resulting in infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord; when this happens, a person can become gravely ill. Some common early symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include fever, severe headache, and sensitivity to bright light, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash and lethargy. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a physician immediately.
